University of Southern California Reviews

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Trojan55 from Los Angeles, CA

06/06/2009

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

90 out of 91 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

You can be a college student anywhere for four years, but you'll be a Trojan for life. You will feel the epitome of that atmosphere once you attend orientation. The Trojan Family is not a myth. It is a reality only felt by students, staff, alumni, and the like. It has a fairly large student population, but compared to most public universities, the student teacher ratios are significantly smaller. The benefit of having smaller classes is that you can develop a relationships with your professors in case you need recommendations. USC strives to develop their students individually and you are expected to visit your academic counselors every semester. It truly is an enriching experience. Don't worry about lacking a social life. USC prides itself in its striking diversity and with good reason. With hundreds of clubs and greek communities, you wont have a problem fitting in. FIGHT ON!!!!!!!

Tips for prospective students

For prospective freshman, USC isn't just interested in your GPA. There is a heavy emphasis on your image as a versatile individual. Take as many AP classes. Take the SATs until you're exhausted. Be involved in any school activities. Better yet, take advantage of programs and opportunities outside of your high school. For prospective transfers, keep up that GPA, preferably anything above a 3.5. It wouldn't hurt to be involved in your community and/or extracurricular activities. When it's down to two applicants with similar academic standing, extracurriculars are the tie-breaking factors. -------------------------------------------------- Advice to transfers, preferably Santa Monica College Students. Take classes equivalent to USC courses. Refer to: https://camel2.usc.edu/articagrmt/artic.aspx And if you know your intended major, refer to: http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/private/0910/AdditionalCourseRecommendation09.pdf to give you a competitive edge on your application. (NOTE: some majors require supplemental applications and additional requirements.) Typically, students aspiring to transfer do so within 2 years at a CC. For your first year at community college, if you haven't already chosen a major, focus on getting your GEs out of the way. That way, you can add versatility to your schedule and you'll save about thirty grand in college. Sixty if you transfer for junior standing. NOTE: USC accepts sophomore transfers. However, out of the six GE's you can fulfill at at SMC, two must be completed at USC: diversity and writ140. Study Study Study! There aren't shortcuts in college. Don't expect extra credit assignments despite your prodding and begging. Your school academic counselor is there for reason. More often than not, they can answer questions and offer valuable guidance. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID ASAP. you will save yourself a lot of grief over the summer to settle any loans and to apply for work-study positions. Be realistic. USC is expensive, but worth every penny. However, if it is beyond your family's income, start saving early. Apply for scholarships. On top of tuition, spare yourself the shock of hidden costs and the disappointment that comes with knowing you cannot finance your dream school's education. Book costs hundreds of dollars especially heavy texts. Even for commuters, health insurance (which you can waive, given the completed requirements) and parking can be pricey. Refer to: http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/cat2008/tuition/ Sure you can take out as many loans as you want, but depending on the amount, you might be paying it off for life. Good luck to everyone! FIGHT ON!

USC Student from Los Angeles, CA

07/26/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

49 out of 49 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USC is an amazing school, and has SO many different types of students. The average student works hard at school and is involved in some type of club during the week. Most of the classes are small enough that you'll feel right at home in no time and know all of your classmates and professors well. On weekends, you'll most likely party at night and visit downtown LA or the beach on weekends. There's so much to do both on campus and off that you'll never be bored. Despite the rumor that USC is full of stuck-up rich kids, this is NOT true. USC has some of the most friendly and cool people you'll ever meet. There isn't a particular stereotype for students, so everyone fits in! Trust me, you'll love USC if you like having fun and don't mind working hard.

Tips for prospective students

Do as much as possible in high school!! Make the most of all the opportunities because they really make an application competitive! Take lots of AP classes and work hard to keep up your grades. APs also help out to save you credits (and money!) in college if you do well enough on the exams. Participate in lots of activities: go out for a sports team, yearbook, student government, etc... anything and EVERYTHING looks good. Volunteer as much as possible - even if it's just minor things, they add a lot to applications. Leadership is also really important; try for something in student government, captain a sports team, lead a club (or even start your own!). Colleges look for applicants that take initiative and become self-starters. When applying to college, pay attention to DEADLINES. They're important. It's an expensive school, so try applying for scholarships and financial aid. I would definitely say it's worth the money though. Other than that, enjoy high school but study, study, study. Once you get into the school of your dreams, it's worth it.

Thomas from Houston, TX

If you don't know how to balance life and school, USC will teach you. This is a university to learn, not to prove you know everything already.

Tips for prospective students

1) Apply by December 1st This will allow you to be applicable for most of the school sponsored scholarships, including the Presidential and Trustee Scholarships. Alumni Association Scholarships must be approached to the branch you live in (i.e. Houston, New York, Los Angeles, etc.) 2) Make an effort to visit the campus Especially for music and theater students, meet the professors. A little known fact for music students is that you can email the professor (at least 2 weeks in advance) and ask for a mock lesson and most times they do it for free. 3) They want a well rounded student body, not necessarily the well rounded student SPECIALIZE. Not everyone can be the best at everything. Be exceptional at something that sets you apart and use that as your tool to get into this university.

Bang for the buck

USC's tuition is very daunting. Very, very daunting. $52,000/year including housing/meal plan/tuition, its not an inexpensive opportunity. However the USC Financial Aid Office is very understanding and very accessible. If you absolutely need the money USC will find it with you.

Am enjoying being here

The long list of clubs and activities goes for days. The great thing about this university is that you will find all points along the spectrum, i.e. its not a democratic or republican university, its a balanced university that represents all sides of every subject.

Am learning a lot

University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make here will impact your career and your life.

Jordyn from Georgetown, SC

07/11/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

25 out of 25 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USC is great for multiple types of students. If you are a social person who loves school spirit USC is the place for you. If you love community service then USC has multiple programs that you would enjoy, including a Spring Break Alternative program. If you just want to focus on your studies, USC has plenty of research opportunities and amazing acemic resources.

Tips for prospective students

The most important thing to emphasize in your application is what you are passionate about. Be sure to tell them who you really are by writing about an experience that has shaped who you are today or challenged you in some type of way. Remember the thing that sets you apart from the thousands of test scores and high gpas is you. If you have already been accepted to USC, I urge you to research the student organizations USC has to offer and find something you are interested in. Being apart of a student organization, you get to me new people who have some of the same interests as you as well as obtain a foundation of people that can help you throughout your entire stay at USC. USC has an organization for every interest so please take advantage of this.

Bang for the buck

USC is on the expensive side, but I don't think that you can put a price on education, a world wide network of Trojans, and lifetime memories.

Am enjoying being here

I love USC. Plain and Simple. USC is a huge family. There is a vibe on campus that you will never find anywhere else. For some reason the students here are just extremely friendly, especially on game day. USC is the definition of school spirit and on game day the campus bleeds cardinal and gold. Have to love it.

Am learning a lot

I am in the Viterbi School of Engineering and USC has definitely taught me how to learn more so than anything else. I walked into my Computer Science major not knowing anything so in my introductory class I was at a disadvantage but with the help of my professor, who is always available for help, and USC resources such as VARC, which is a peer tutoring help center, I succeeded in my class and learned the material with ease. Being at USC teaches you how to use resources available to you to your best interests.

Brooke from dana point , CA

06/23/2009

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

19 out of 24 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Happy, friendly people! People who are full of school spirit and also laid back, happy-go-lucky, funny and fun to be around. Also intelligent and studious people who can study hard and push themselves- and do it with a smile! USC is a great school for athletes or anyone who has one of those determined Fight On personalities- even if they don't win, they fight on and eventually gain victory. The people there are very welcoming- no one tries to make you feel out of place. I think there is a place at USC for almost any type of student- its just a matter of who loves USC more (the nice way to say Ucla fans probably wouldn't enjoy going there). Someone who loves USC and gives their all to get in (and also decorates their room the USC bed sheets and pillows.... and pajamas.... I'm kind of in love...) will be able to fit in no matter what!

Tips for prospective students

FIGHT ON TO VICTORY!!!!!!! (victory meaning getting in) Just give it everything you've got! High School is only four years- you have to push yourself the whole way! FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORES- you have it so easy- you have no excuse to get anything but STRAIGHT A'S unless you are in all AP classes or you play a sport - never should you get less than 2 B's during your season and no lower. Make sure you start doing club activities and pick at least one activity or volunteer work at school and one outside of school and keep everything you do on file. Sophomores- if you didn't take AP's freshman year- take one next year to get introduced to it. Also take summer school to skip a grade level in one of your better subjects and also start your own club. JUNIORS- Next year will be the most horrible year ever. If you are signed up for honors classes- drop them- only take AP classes or regular- honors classes do nothing for your unweighted GPA in the long run which is what colleges really look at. Try to focus on volunteering over the summer somewhere even if its just cleaning trash on the beach with friends and if you are not on JV or Varsity of your sports or not one of the top players and your in APs, you should quit and focus on school- just for the year because you cant afford a bad season if your grades aren't high. Its important to be a ROCKSTAR this year if you want colleges to look at you- even if it drives you crazy- your going to have to skip the dances, lose the social life and focus on YOU. Your life must become SCHOOL, SAT, SPORTS, CLUBS, VOLUNTEER, COLLEGE and FIGHT ON!

Will enjoy being here

AMAZING- Its my dream school! haha The campus is perfect. The people there are really nice and the school spirit is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On the way home from my visit I put on my USC t-shirt and played the fight song on my ukulele all the way home! The education is excellent as well because all of the alumni that I know have been very successful in their lives. USC is my motivation to get through high school!! .... hope it paid off!!! Fight on everyone! :-)

1. Apply by December 1st You can still apply to USC after December 1st (The second deadline is in January.) However, I would encourage students to apply by December 1st in order to be considered for scholarships. And even if you don't receive one, your application would already by done, and you can enjoy Winter Break without stressing about it. 2. Apply for Financial Aid. If you do not receive a scholarship from USC, make sure to apply for financial aid. And even if you do, apply for it if you don't get a full scholarship. As stated before, USC is very good at giving financial aid, and will give you more if the first amount is not enough. You will need to send it a lot of papers, especially your parents' if you are still an independent. Nevertheless, it is worth it to receive any sort of financial aid. 3. Ask Questions, Do Research. During my freshman year, I learned things that would have been very helpful as a high school graduate going into college. Quiet frankly, my high school did not prepare me at all. No one told me that if I wanted to be pre-med/pre-pharm, I don't have to be a science major. As long as I take the required courses (and MCATS if I am pre-med), I can apply for medical or pharmacy school. Having a science degree helps, but it is not required. I know a person who is a business major and planning on going to medical school. This kind of knowledge would have been very helpful in deciding my major as well as my courses for freshmen year. 4. Go to Professor's Office Hours They are willing to answer any questions you have, as well as get to know you. They are teaching 200+ students, so knowing a few of them personally would be nice. Also, when you need recommendation letters for grad/medical/pharmacy school, you can always ask them, and many are more than willing to write you one, given that they know you personally. 5. Join Clubs/Organizations While studying is important, it is also important to meet new people and create networks. Like college, grad and professional schools will look beyond the GPA and grades when they are going through applications. They want well-rounded students, who have experience in areas such as leadership and community.

Bang for the buck

I will admit, having to pay 50+ grand a year is daunting task and few people, especially parents, would want to shoulder such a huge responsibility. However, since USC is a private school and funding doesn't depend on the state economy, it can and will give money to anyone who applies for financial aid. And when it is not enough, many students appeal and more often than not, they will receive more money from USC. I know friends from UCs who do not get any financial aid at all, and are paying full price, even though it is much lower than 50+ grand. Because of USC, however, I do not even have to pay half of my tuition, and I don't even have to pay as much as a student from UCLA because USC provided me with a good amount of financial aid.

Am enjoying being here

The people I have met here are quite amazing. Of course, there are people who are legacies, and whose parents are quite rich. However, there are the same amount of people who are on financial aid, scholarships and loans. Either way, you will meet people from Hawaii, New York, Washington, Illinois, as well as people from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, England, Italy and India. Being at USC has allowed me to expand my social circle, make friends from all over the world, and as well as many lifelong friends. As for academics, I, like many other students, do not enjoy the coursework just because it is coursework. Being a science major just adds to the distaste. However, I have found what I enjoy through taking variety of classes, from history to computer programming to health promotion. And as many people will tell you, you will do well in whatever subject you enjoy.

Am learning a lot

USC is known for a lot of things: football, film, expensive, prestigious and snobby by students and non-students. While the last category is debatable, depending on who you meet, USC known for being the University of Stolen Colleagues by the professors from other schools. And for good reason. Granted, there are a couple of bad seeds in the teaching staff, but the good seeds overpower the bad ones. Professors at USC are at the top of their fields, and as part of the Trojan family, they are here to help their students succeed. Many science professors conduct research projects outside of teaching and provide students with opportunities to gain experience for medical school.

Hasan from Karachi, CA

07/15/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

11 out of 11 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USC has one of the top athletic programs and athletes are given a number of privileges. That said, there is always room for further addition to a number of brilliant, academic achievers present at USC.

Tips for prospective students

USC looks for more than the fact that you maintained a 4.00 in high school. Maintain a firm interest in one or two extra curricular activities to show that you are passionate about something rather than simply having a myriad of activities taken up for short periods.

Bang for the buck

USC is very expensive and even with scholarships, it is hard to meet the financial expenses associated with a USC education.

Am enjoying being here

USC prides itself on the diversity of its student population. Being an international student myself, I thoroughly enjoy the experience of acquiring a novel cultural perspective and a quality education.

Am learning a lot

As a pre-medical Neuroscience major, I can vouch for the high emphasis placed on learning and academic excellence at USC. The courses exhaustively cover the subject matter and the professors are great.

Max from Richmond, CA

06/08/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

10 out of 12 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Intelligent people who are willing to work hard, but also willing to party hard. Outgoing students will get the most out of the school, because it's strongest asset is the alumni network. Trojans are in charge of just about everything... everywhere!

Tips for prospective students

Get the Trojan meal plan when you come as a freshman. It's more expensive, but well worth it.

Elizabeth from Pasadena, CA

07/21/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

10 out of 11 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USC has a place for almost every student. While most of the students here are focused on their work, this is not to say that we don’t know how to have fun as well. Students that know how to balance their academic and social lives will excel in this environment and get the most out of their experience.

Tips for prospective students

One of the most important things I learned from freshman year is always go to the professor’s office hours. They are always willing to answer any questions and offer all the help they can. They want you to succeed in their course and make it an enjoyable experience. It is also extremely valuable to have the prof. Know your name because when it comes time to assign grades they will be more likely to give you a higher grade because you made the extra effort to speak to them and ask for their help. Also, it is easy to get caught up in school work and partying, but a great way to just relax and hang out with other students is by joining a club or organization on campus. Clubs are a fun and easy way to express yourself and do things that you enjoy rather than spending all your time studying in the library. They are also excellent ways to meet friends who share the same interests.

Bang for the buck

While USC has a fairly high tuition, the overall experience is well worth the money. The education you receive is one of the best in the country and the alumni network is extremely valuable. Being a lifelong member of the Trojan Family is priceless and can connect you to valuable experiences long after you graduate from the university.

Am enjoying being here

I love being a part of the Trojan Family! Looking back on my freshman year, one of the most enjoyable things about USC are the football games. The entire campus is covered with energetic and dedicated fans from early morning until late at night. The school spirit here is incredible and makes the entire community feel more like a family of football lovers than complete strangers. In addition to football, there are many events, like free concerts or club fund raisers, going on around campus that there is hardly a dull moment. But all of the hustle and bustle is not the only thing that makes USC such a fantastic school. The student body is so diverse that it is impossible not to find a core group of friends that share your common interests. And if you’re looking to step away from the college scene for a few hours, LA and it’s surrounding neighborhoods offer plenty of entertainment for a night on the town!

Am learning a lot

All of the faculty and staff at USC are highly educated and extremely knowledgeable in their field. Most of the professors perform research in addition to teaching, but this doesn’t prevent them from creating an excellent learning environment. As engineering major, many of my courses are challenging and on numerous occasions I sought extra help from the professors outside of class. They explained the difficult concepts more in depth and also became more invested in my overall education encouraging me to visit them more often during weekly office hours. This extra effort put forth by the professors makes USC one of the best places to learn because they don’t want you to just pass the class, they want to share their passion with you and make the learning experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

Elton from Rowland Heights, CA

08/10/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

9 out of 10 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Outgoing, ambitious students, well rounded students, students who want to do well in school and contribute to student life, student leaders, students who love LA, students who want to SUCCEED and love being a TROJAN.

Tips for prospective students

Meet as the right people and as many as you can, every freshman is new to the college life and are all unfamiliar and as interested in everything as you are. Not only meet freshman, but seek to make friends with your advisers, upper classman, student leaders, and other faculty as they can provide you with the best advice that are not always written or published on websites or pamphlets. Always try new things out, if you are semi interested in an organization dont hesitate to check it out because you can find out your new passion, if you dont even go to an info session you may never meet your new best friend. Use an agenda or google calendar to manage your schedule because there are always things going on, meetings to attend, and important due dates for classes that you do not want to miss. Strive high and make every moment of your college career worth it because you will not want it to end.

Bang for the buck

If concerts, speakers, great advisors, a beautiful campus, a global network, lifelong friends, top notch organizations, a variety of majors and minors, and be part of the Trojan Family, then USC is definitely worth ever penny. College is an investment and it all depends on how you go about and use it. If you are only at SC for academics or just one aspect of it then it might not be worth the money. Using SC to its fullest potential will make every dollar of yours worth it. The networking events, to the location, to the friends, to the free activities, to the free stuff, to the limitless resources from the school will make your college experience one to remember and priceless.

Am enjoying being here

I cannot be any happier than I am at USC. From the second I visited the campus to the day I moved my excitement for being a Trojan has just kept growing. USC not only offers many opportunities for student life, organizations, athletics, Greek life and many other, it is also located in the heart of Los Angeles where all the entertainment, different food venues such as the many cultural towns, museums, malls, and many more famous locations. There is a reason why people have so much Trojan pride and emphasize the Trojan family very often, it’s because once you step on campus you get a sense of belonging, a relaxing and comforting feel from all the students, staff, and faculty. It is awesome and nothing compares to student life at SC. One day there will be renowned speakers from the industry speaking about career advice, or another day early movie screenings at Norris with directors, or a another day a concert on McCarthy, a Saturday at a Trojan football game, long nights at Leavey library studying for finals, fun with friends, or doing community service in LA and for USC. The average day of a Trojan is different in so many ways and that is what makes being a Trojan enjoyable, the many combination to live your own college experience and the opportunities and freedom to make your own college career an unforgettable one.

Am learning a lot

Being and engineering major and business minor I honestly believed USC is providing me with a well rounded education that will prepare me for future success. USC offers a variety of majors and minors to choose from and the opportunity to combine these options to possibly become a renaissance scholar, which is a student with two distinct and different minors and majors. The opportunity to combine different majors and minors and the requirements of GE’s and electives, I have been able to take classes from all around the university in the different professional schools such as Viterbi School of Engineering, Marshall School of Business, and The College of Arts , Letters, and Sciences. GE’s definitely give me a new and better perspective on the real world and life and looking back at the classes I have taken, I have learned so much about Los Angeles, the World, American dreams, and East Asian Countries. My education at USC would not be as fulfilling or rewarding if it was not for the great professors and small discussion classes which help you personally understand each topic. From engineering classes, to math and science, to music, to general education classes I have been provided a well rounded education that is, in my opinion, something many students at other universities may not be able to provide.

Ashley from CT

07/06/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 9 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Honestly, USC is great for all types of students. Although, the majority of the students are big football fans, and enjoy the concept of work hard, play harder, there is every type of student walking around campus. It may be easier for the more outgoing students to get adjusted quickly, but over time, USC proves to be a great match for anyone!

Tips for prospective students

Focus on being a well-rounded student, not just a student with the best test scores and highest GPA. It is important to prove that you have various talents and interests that the school community can benefit from. Try to come to SC with an open mind. Yes, it is a fairly large school, very sports oriented, but you will find any type of student there. There will definitely be someone for you to relate to. While it may be intimidating first semester, it is important to get involved as soon as possible. That is a great way to meet people, learn about the community, and helps to balance out the pressures of school work.

Bang for the buck

While SC is very expensive, the financial aid package freshman year is great, and proves how much the school really would like your presence!

Am enjoying being here

USC has always been my dream school, since I was 10 years old! but at times it is difficult being across country with no family in CA.

Am learning a lot

The faculty in my specific major are very well educated, aware, and willing to impart their knowledge to their students.

USC is a large campus, but the staff really care about you as a student and future alum. Don't be afraid to get help! I had to do online registration as a freshman, and initially had a very hard time getting my adviser on the phone (maternity leave). I called another adviser who immediately got all of the information together and helped me register. USC sets up tons of supports for their freshman; it's easy to get tutoring or extra help, and the TA's and professors both have office hours. The campus is gorgeous. Look up pictures online - it's actually prettier than that. You know all those super-contrived pictures of college campuses that have students sitting outside under trees studying? That actually happens here. There are benches outside everywhere, and we really use them. Also, it's perfectly acceptable to lay out on one of the many lawns and tan. The dorms are fairly standard, but there are a lot of choices. Read through the catalog of resident housing carefully and use collegeconfidential.com to see what each one is like. Some dorms are louder and have more parties, some are geared towards international students, and some are quieter (scholarship students tend to live in these). No matter where you live, you will be able to go out and have a good time if you want; in some of the louder dorms it's harder to sleep just because it's noisy. The campus itself is really safe. Yes, I know what everyone says - USC is in a bad neighborhood! - which is true to a certain extent. But the campus security is comprehensive and only a phone call away, and as long as you don't do something stupid (like walking around with an expensive bag by yourself at 3 AM), you'll be fine. Just stay aware of your surroundings and walk in groups if it's late or call Campus Cruiser, which is a school-provided service that'll pick you up and drive you around campus (and the surrounding area) at night. One other thing you might want to be aware of: students at USC dress well! Don't come expecting to see tons of crappy sweats or jeans and old T-shirts, because few people wear that kind of thing often. We're in the middle of LA, people! Simple but nice clothes are a must. Also, bring layers! LA is in the desert, so it's really warm during the day but chilly at night. All you Southerners either need to layer up or produce thicker blood. As a final note, it's really easy to volunteer here - take this to heart! It's hard to know where to start, but just pick one of the many opportunities (trust me, there are tons and they will present themselves) and run with it! There are tons of fun clubs that have great people, and most are run by students (so they understand when you need to skip out on activities to go cram for a midterm).

1)If you find a professor you really like, go into their office hours and talk to them. They are really down to earth and very understanding if you're having trouble with the course. 2) Everyone is different, but I lived in Parkside last year and it was really convenient to live right by the dining hall. Plus, the rooms are really nice and you have A/C. 3) My graduating HS class had 140 students, so coming to USC was definitely a change! It's scary at first but you should always remember that everyone is in the same place you are. Everyone is new here too, so it always helps to make the first step and introduce yourself.

Bang for the buck

USC is definitely pricey, but my parents and I have not regretted the choice of sending me here yet. Financial aid always helps, but you can also check out the job fair every semester to find both work-study/non work-study jobs!

Am enjoying being here

I have met some great, well-rounded people here. One of my best friends was actually one of my suitemates from last year! Another thing I love about SC is the school spirit. There is simply no comparison to game days. You walk out and immediately see a sea of cardinal and gold. I never was an adamant football fan in high school, but you can't help but get into the football season here! Also, the weather is awesome. Sometimes when you don't have a lot of work to do it's nice to just explore the city with friends or even go to the beach! Los Angeles has a lot of opportunities.

Am learning a lot

I just completed my first year at USC. All of the professors I've had so far have been incredibly knowledgeable and bring something different to the curriculum, but I feel like the best professors come in the classes for your majors (not GEs). I am a communications major and the class I took last year was absolutely amazing-it didn't sound that interesting but the professor made it so fun and enjoyable!

Madison from Los Angeles, CA

01/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 out of 6 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

There is a security guard almost everywhere you go, but things still get stollen. Just watch where you go, make smart choices, and travel in groups. Don't walk alone at 2 am and expect nothing to happen to you.

Greek Life

I really love our greek life. I am an Alpha Chi Omega and I really love my sorority. I didn't rush until my Junior year and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Its a great way to meet amazing people and create friendships that will last forever.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for basically anything and everything at USC, and if for some reason you find a club that does not exist, you can create one!

Great for these types of students

Everyone.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Moreton Fig- Ask for the Moreton Burger (its not on the menu). It has a fired egg, avocado, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon. AMAZING!

Bang for the buck

I fell that you are basically paying for future opportunities and connections with USC. You do learn a lot, but in the long run, it is the people who come to USC looking for students to work for them that you are really paying for.

What to do for fun

For fun there is the LA Live center that is really close by and free shuttles that take you there on fridays and saturdays. I personally really like theatre so I go out to see a bunch of shows. There are a tone of small theaters all over LA that are really good prices and have really fantastic shows. There is also the Downtown art walk on the first Thursday of every month that I highly suggest. Me and my old room mate go out every saturday and try to find something new in LA that we didn't know existed. You would be surprised at how many things we have found.

Food and Dining

The food is really good, the cafeterias get a little old, but there is a nice fine dining place called Moreton Fig (I actually work there) that has really good fresh food, if you don't mind spending a little extra $$. USC has everything from Panda Express, Carls Jr., CPK, and Wahoos. As well as little coffee places all around the campus.

Dorm Life

The dorms are fine, I just don't particularly enjoy living with other people. Probably because I am a light sleeper and all my other room mates snore. Dorm life is an experience, good or bad, it is a one of a kind experience that everyone should go through. It makes you learn how to deal with problems and communicating with other people. Its just something you need to learn from and get through.

Academic Rigor

USC is hard. The professors are hard, they read everything you turn in, and they know what they are talking about. In high school sometimes you can get away with doing something with half the amount of effort because you know the teacher is just going to stamp it the next day and you can get on with your life. Well, there is no stamping here. When a professor tells you to read something, read it. When there is an essay do, get on it right away. Start working on these things in high school, it will prepare you for the work load in college.

Tips for prospective students

Never say No to an opportunity. Do as much as you can in high school. Take all the AP classes you can, don't skip out on your 4th year in math, science, or foreign language and take an easy senior year, keep challenging yourself. Try to do as many different things as you can, the application process for USC is very long and it really tries to get to know you as an individual, not just all the offices you have held or your GPA. They are interested in what you enjoy doing, and that you enjoy doing multiple things. I went to a seminar when I first got accepted and it basically said that we were chosen because we worked hard and had many possible directions that we could take. If they had the choice of someone who was the year book editor all 4 years of high school and wanted to go into journalism, or a ballerina soccer player who wanted to major in engineering and minor in dance, that is the person they would choose. Be open with everything that you enjoy and try to experience it all. Audition for one of the Drama departments performances or try out for a sport. Show USC that you are more then just a number.

In three sentences

USC is the place for opportunities. You are not only paying for a great education, but also connections and resume builders that will help you get where you want in life. USC is a school for leaders and overachievers.

Kathleen from Omaha, NE

-Social, outgoing people -Students who live by the philosophy of Work hard, play hard. -People who love big cities.

Tips for prospective students

-Apply early. -Get a tour of campus. -Apply for tons of scholarships. I am a Presidential Scholar (USC Scholarship that covers half-tuition). I'm not exactly sure how the selection process goes with this, but academics definitely have a lot to do with it. So keep those grades up!

Bang for the buck

If you're looking at USC, the first thing you're going to notice is the price. Don't worry, I did, too. USC is extremely expensive, even once you're on-campus (Everything at the Bookstore and Pharmacy is outrageous). But I know that there are tons of opportunities here that I couldn't have gotten at other universities. You're definitely getting your money's worth for the education. As far as everything else goes, getting a meal plan (I would suggest getting the Gold Plan) helps with food (all of the meal plans give you unlimited swipes to Parkside and EVK). For clothes and other necessities, though, I would suggest going off-campus. University Village is just across the street from campus, and you can get just about anything you need there.

Am enjoying being here

There is always something to do on campus, and there are a million activities and student organizations to join. If you are the partying type, there are parties pretty much every weekend (Thursday-Saturday). If that's not you, don't worry about it. There are plenty of other activities to do. Unless you really hate football, I would strongly suggest getting season football tickets. Game day is always fun, and the games are really fun (even when the game itself isn't going so well.)

Am learning a lot

I am pursuing a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Theatre here at USC. My course list (this semester) consists of three theatre courses, one diversity course, and a Foreign Language class. I can only speak for Theatre Department, but I feel that I am well on my way to becoming a well-rounded artist. All of the professors are extremely knowledgeable in their fields and want to see you succeed. Even though it's not part of Theatre, I enjoy my Spanish class a lot. Be prepared to work when you come here, though.

Leslie from Huntington Beach, CA

Students who enjoy a fun atmosphere and lots of Spirit, especially in football season; Students who want to learn and want a huge campus where everything is always going on.

Tips for prospective students

Don't underestimate the workload and make sure you leave time for fun so that you don't have a bad experience. Make as many friends as possible so that you never feel like a small fish in the huge pond that is USC.

Bang for the buck

It is expensive, but USC wants you here if you qualify. THey help with financial aid and expenses. I believe the cost that you pay now will help you immensely in the future to make much more than it costs now! The classes are wonderful and small enough that your professors get to know you, unless it is a GE lecture, but then you have TA's who teach the discussion sections.

Am enjoying being here

I love the atmosphere on campus. It is in a great location near downtown LA as well as the beach and many other fun spots. I love that there is always something go on around campus, so it is never boring! I love the USC Trojan Marching Band because it is just amazing and is a great pick-me when you hear them around campus.

Am learning a lot

I have learned so much through classes in my major of Business Administration as well as through the General Education Program. While some of the GE classes are not very interesting, I have taken classes that sounded interesting to me and I have actually enjoyed attending and learning about all the different cultures. I also love learning about the business world and what it means for my future jobs.

Second year from San Diego, CA

05/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
17 of 201

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Greek Life

Greek life is huge at USC, but the majority of students are not part of frats or sororities. Their influence is shown through different events and parties they host, but everyone is invited and allowed to be part of the action.

Great for these types of students

Great for students whom are looking for a good balance between academics and social events. USC is a great institution from which to earn a degree but it also provides you with the college life you expect.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Tradition: During the football games, people tailgate on campus and then head over to the game in large crowds. While heading over to the football games, people pass by the lamp posts near the business school and kick them, for luck during the upcoming game. Location: Ground Zero- best milkshakes & a great setting to hang out or do some studying!

What to do for fun

There are a lot of things to do for fun at USC. There are always events on campus which to attend. There are also parties hosted by the school or by different organizations. Finally, you can explore the many wonderful attractions of LA!

Food and Dining

There are two main dining halls, which become very redundant over the course of the year. I recommend you get dining dollars, as you can buy food at the local restaurants and marketplace when you get tired of the dining halls.

Dorm Life

I lived in Fluor tower, an all-freshmen building, and I absolutely loved it! It was suite-style, which allowed everyone living on the same floor to truly bond and become close friends. The RA's are amazing and very informed about all aspects.

Academic Rigor

USC is a challenging institution, but it is also a supportive one. With math and science classes come extra instruciton time and tutoring sessions of which to take advantage of. Also, lots of reading is expected of you and numerous essays are going to be written, but there are also a lot of people there to help you along the way.

Tips for prospective students

Look into the major that you plan on declaring, if USC has a strong background in it, then apply! Also be aware of how large USC is, large class sizes & a big campus is not for everyone.

In three sentences

AMAZING; Academics are rigorous, but with all the support available that you need to be successful. Social life is upbeat and eventful with tons of diverse people with whom to interact. Also, Los Angeles is a vibrant city with numerous opportunities in a variety of fields.

Emily from Los Angeles, CA

07/30/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 5 people found this review useful.
18 of 201

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Great for these types of students

USC is great for hard working, smart and well rounded students. Trojan students need to be willing to work hard in order to maintain good grades in difficult classes as well as attend the various events around school. USC is a very busy, but fun place to be.

Tips for prospective students

While grades are important to the USC admissions office, it seems that extra curricular activities are equally important. USC also seems to prefer students that are interested and well informed in the world around them. Prior to being accepted to USC, I attended an information session on applying to the school. The counselor told us that the school is interested in students that are curious. Overall, it seems as though USC wants students that are well rounded and smart.

All I can advise, is to enjoy every day. College years fly by, because you are always involved, studying, and having a great time with friends and classmates. Really cherish every moment at college, because before you know it, it will be time to graduate and embark on a new journey.

Bang for the buck

USC is known for being an expensive school, but it is worth every penny. The resources that USC provides are stupendous! The percentage rate of students that graduate successfully from USC is 76%. That is a positive percentage considering other colleges have a rate of 40-60%. Just apply for as many scholarships and financial aid as you can if you can't afford to go to USC. USC also offers thousands of dollars in financial aid to students who struggle with money.

Am enjoying being here

The atmosphere at USC is comforting and lively. Students can freely go about their day never having to worry about not having a good time. The Trojan Family is open, enthusiastic, and entertaining. There is always something to do on campus and outside of campus. The weather here is beautiful, and the clubs/organizations affiliated with USC are inspiring and so much fun.

Am learning a lot

The classes offered at USC are extraordinary! I am constantly learning something new everyday, whether it's about Greek world history or producing a television show. I guarantee that you will find an interesting subject that encourages your mind to think beyond your comfort zone. All the schools at USC allow students to take elective courses within their field; so, when you get bored of taking classes strictly for your major, you can take ballet, film studies, or anything that satisfies your desires. The Schools open up their courses to every curious student at USC. I've only been attending USC for a year so far, and I have learned so much more than I have learned during my high school career.

Melody from Cos Cob, CT

12/27/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
21 of 201

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Great for these types of students

-Students who love sports -Or students who don't. Being immersed in the competitive edge will get anyone excited, regardless of how much they know about sports. -Students who aspire to be in the cinema industry -Or students who don't. LA is so big that there is a niche for any career you could want -People who want to live in a big metropolitan city and meet people from all different paths of life.

Tips for prospective students

-Take advantage of the ability to drop classes. USC has a certain period at the beginning of every semester that allows students to drop classes with no penalty if they find it's not quite to their liking. This is a fantastic way to get your feet wet in a certain topic and see if perhaps this course of study is the right one for you. If you find that the material is dull or you don't connect with the subject, you are free to drop the class within a certain period and sign up for a different one. -Go to the football games. USC Football is without a doubt the university's strongest and most uniting force. Gamedays (in the fall) involve Trojan fans from age 9 to 99 tailgating on every square inch of campus. Even if you don't like football (like myself), you will find sheer pride and exuberance bubbling up inside you when you're standing in the student section cheering and singing the USC Fight Song. Gamedays are indescribable and I could not imagine being a Trojan without them. -OFFICE HOURS. The one surefire way to improve your grade is office hours. These are times when students can go to a professor or a TA's office to discuss lecture notes, prepare for an exam, or review an essay. It is the professor and TA's job to be available and accommodating to students, so don't be afraid to email or speak to a professor and arrange for a time when you can meet them. Professors want to get to know their students. If they are able to put your face to a name when grading papers, there is a greater personal connection and your grades will improve. -Start long-term projects the day they are assigned. Even if it's something very small like creating a timeline or an outline, picking out books from the library, or gathering one or two articles, this small step will put you on the right path to finish the project on time. It's very easy to get caught up in the extracurricular side of college and it will make life easier for yourself if you can make little bits of progress instead of doing the entire project the night before. -Take advantage of the Career Services office. They can help you find an on campus job, off campus job or paying internship. In addition to the general career services office, there is usually a special career services department for your school (i.e., engineering, journalism, etc.) -Go to the Student Involvement Fair to find the clubs and groups that best fit your talents and aspirations. From the Judo club to the Triathlon team to the Fashion Industry Association of USC, there is a place for everyone. Don't listen to the stereotype that USC is the University of Spoiled Children and contains only affluent, overprivileged kids. The school is big enough that you will find any type of person you are looking for. I was so happy to have found Troy Camp, the group I am involved in, because it is a group of people who share my passion for summer camp, local kids, and connecting with your inner child. When you find something else to do outside of academia, your university experience will be all the more worthwhile.

Bang for the buck

It is a little known fact that over half of USC's students receive financial aid. I have several close friends who are either on a full tuition or half tuition scholarship. USC is very accommodating when it comes to financial aid and it can sometimes be applied to studying abroad and sorority or fraternity dues. The only qualm I have is that sometimes we have to buy scantrons, blue books, CDs, etc for our classes. I don't appreciate buying textbooks that aren't actually used in the course, so I recommend staying in the class for a few days or weeks to see if you actually need a textbook so you can maybe save yourself some money. Aside from that, the facilities and technologies are top notch and the university is constantly trying to listen to the students' demands. I also feel very safe on and off campus. There is a wonderful on campus police force that will help you out whenever you need it. There is also an independent security company that patrols areas around the campus.

Am enjoying being here

The weather is one of my favorite parts about this school. I am always in a better mood when it is sunny outside. Aside from the academics, I have everything I need here: a great gym, two grocery stores in biking distance, a University Village with small shops and convenience stores for students and access to any part of Los Angeles (Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Downtown LA, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, etc.) There is incredible food and shopping everywhere. Food trucks selling specialty cuisine are ubiquitous (Mongolian, Korean, Pizza, Italian, Brazilian, Dim Sum, Tea, French, Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian, you name it and there's a food truck for it.). There is always something to do, whether you want to sift through clothing at famous thrift stores in Hollywood, camp and climb at Joshua Tree National Park, go to the beach in Venice or Santa Monica, snowboard at Mammoth Mountain (only a few hours away), go clubbing in chic Los Angeles venues, sit in a cafe and watch celebrities come in, attend concerts, raves, festivals, farmers markets, movie screenings or volunteer or tutor at local Los Angeles schools. On top of everything Los Angeles has to offer, there is also a strong Greek system at USC with 11 sororities and 21 fraternities. There are professional frats as well (for business, dentistry, psychology, etc.). In addition, there are clubs and sports teams for virtually any interest.

Am learning a lot

There is a core set of six courses that all students are required to take. They are generally science, history, social studies, or another type of liberal arts. These courses are fascinating because I am learning about topics (i.e., Native Americans in Modern North American Life, Authority and Autonomy in Fiction for Children, two courses that I chose to satisfy the core requirement) that I otherwise would never have the chance to learn given my major (Public Relations). USC allows a student to specialize in one field while also exercising the mental muscle and allowing students to learn things they wouldn't typically connect with. In addition to learning the practical skills and techniques required for my specific major, I have also learned how to be a better writer through the freshman writing course requirement. I even learned a new language (Portuguese) because I was able to fit the course into my schedule. Within the different schools, each one has state of the art technology and resources that help students advance in their academic career. For example, I am in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. This school provides endless support for students who want to be journalists, public relations practitioners, or someone working in the mass media. We have every kind of equipment imaginable to achieve these goals, as well as an extremely helpful career service that helps students get jobs and internships.

Vi from Garden Grove, CA

05/09/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
22 of 201

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Tips for prospective students

As a full time student, you're paying for 16 units a semester, but you can do 18 units a semester for the same price so definitely take that extra class. You'll get more bang for your buck and more credits too!

Bang for the buck

I only gave 4 stars because even though I chose to go here, USC is the most expensive college that I got accepted to. But even when I took that into account, I thought it was all worth it because USC's tuition and dorming is about 10 to 20 thousand more than other public universities but USC still gives enough grants and financial aid for it to cover most of your expenses. Some people say that USC is the University of Spoiled Children, but I'm definitely not spoiled or rich. Your education matters more than the money spent.

Will enjoy being here

The moment I came onto campus, I loved it. A lot of people said that it would be dangerous and ghetto, but honestly I did not feel threatened or afraid at all. There is a lot of campus security and if you happen to feel afraid to walk at night or whatever, you can call campus security to escort you wherever it is you need to go. Plus, there are TONS of people out at night who aren't afraid of the ghetto neighborhood that surrounds it. There are also going to be trams right smack dab near USC that will take you into the city and many other places so that if you ever feel bored at campus, you can go out and venture. You can definitely survive at USC without a car, everything is really accessible. But most importantly, your experience at college is what you make of it. If you come in feeling good, your experience will be good. But if you're negative about it, then of course you're going to have a terrible time at college.

Will learn a lot

I want to an orientation before I chose to enroll at USC and it was fantastic! Everyone was split up into their schools and majors and the cool part about it was that I was the one going into my major that day. I got to ask all the questions I wanted and I got to have one on one talks with the counselors and students. Keep in mind that one on one talks could not be achieved at other public universities. I can tell that I will learn a lot because their largest class size is 300 and it rarely ever gets to that big of a class size. So my classes will be at a small enough size where I can get to know the professors and learn so much more as opposed to other universities with very large class sizes. And because this is a private school, you don't have to worry too much about not getting a class because it's too full or anything like that. Also, going into the life sciences and medicine here is great because USC has a more hands on approach as opposed to a theoretical approach that many other public universities offer. There are so many benefits offered at USC that students should definitely look into!

Melina from Elk Grove, CA

09/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
23 of 201

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Campus Safety

The university's DPS (Department of Public Safety) takes the safety of its students very seriously. They do not withhold information from us. We are well informed of crimes that occur both on and off campus so that we know when to be extra cautious. They work very hard to ensure that we are as safe as possible in such a large metropolitan area. I personally feel very safe on campus. Off campus is another story. Many students will tell you that. Our neighboring area is not the best.

Greek Life

Greek life is a huge deal here at SC. Sorority recruitment is far more formal and rigorous than fraternity recruitment from what I hear. I personally did not rush for greek life so I would not be the person to ask.

Clubs and Activities

There are hundreds of organizations to choose from. There really is something for everybody here.

Bang for the buck

Again my rating for this is based on my major. I am a Theatre major with an acting emphasis and USC is one of the best institutions in the country to receive your theatre training at. While it is a very expensive institution, I personally received tremendous funding.

What to do for fun

There are too many events always taking place to even count. There is always something to do. Especially during the week. On the weekends, it mellows down a little bit. Unless Saturday happens to be a game day. Then there is plenty to do.

Food and Dining

The food here is pretty great. There are 3 meal halls on campus: Cafe 84, Parkside Restaurant and EVK (Everybody's Kitchen). I don't really prefer one over another. My only complaint is that Cafe 84 is closed on the weekends which is inconvenient for those of us who live on that side of campus. There are tons of other places to grab food or drink on campus as well. Groundzero is great for milkshakes. Any combination of flavors you can think of is already on the menu there. Pizza Kitchen, Panda Express and other chains are either in the Ronald Tutor Campus center or spread out around campus.

Dorm Life

I currently live in Webb Tower and I absolutely love it. It's directly across from the Lyon Center (the main gym on campus) and has a meal hall known as Cafe 84 right across from the lobby. It is also very close to the university village.

Academic Rigor

This will vary from major to major. I am a theatre major and while I find the work to be demanding thus far, I don't find it overwhelming. Different majors will give you different opinions.

Tips for prospective students

First and foremost you need to sit down and honestly ask yourself, Why do I want to go to this school? I say this because if you are simply chasing a name or only the social life appeals to you then you are applying for the wrong reasons. Trust me, the admissions team will be able to pick up on this. You need to demonstrate that you are looking to take full advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities available to you at such a reputable university. You need to explain why you would be a great contribution to the Trojan family. What unique abilities or attributes do you have that would benefit the university. The last and most helpful tip that I could possibly give any prospective student is to keep in mind that USC truly values quality over quantity. Please don't feel the need to sign yourself up for every possible extracurricular you can find. A smattering of very different activities on an application only makes it more difficult for an admissions team to figure out who you are. I really hope that these tips can be of value to you guys! And obviously don't take my advice as the be all end all source of information for applying to USC. This is simply my personal opinion. Look around at other reviews and speak to current students or admission counselors. Get a variety of opinions. Good luck, and fight on future trojans! :)

In three sentences

In my very biased opinion, USC is all you could ask for in a college and more. The culture is heavily influenced by its location in Los Angeles, California. The student body is probably one of the happiest in existence.

Isabella from Boulder, CO

The main dining hall is awful. Although we pay an inordinate amount of money, the quality of the food does not reflect that.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is actually pretty great. I have met some great friends here, some of whom I will be living with next year. I also live in the honors dorm so it's nice to be with people who care about academics as much as I do.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the major, certain classes are harder than others. However in general they are rigorous and challenging and informative.

Tips for prospective students

Know what to expect with the people. It is mostly wealthy, stuck up white kids, and although we have a considerable asian population they tend to stay together. Also get involved with many different things on campus. It's by far the easiest way to meet a variety of different people.

In three sentences

California is beautiful, but the location of USC is the worst part of LA. The social life at USC is pretty awful, with a focus on superficiality and partying. The academics depend on the department, but the International Relations department is absolutely fantastic.

Samantha from Denver, CO

07/18/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
26 of 201

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Great for these types of students

Greek life is rather huge at USC. I'm not part of any sorority/fraternity, but many of my friends are. Still, there's a large part of the student population that isn't Greek. Also, if you're looking for service opportunities, there's plenty, as USC is located in the heart of the city. Mostly, though, I'd say that if you're a theatre/film lover, then your place is definitely here.

Tips for prospective students

If you're considering USC, I personally think that you should come visit. That's when it really clicked for me. When I walked on campus, I felt instantly that I could belong there. I would like to address the location issue, however, because many people consider it a potential problem. As long as you're smart, you're not roaming the streets off-campus without a buddy, and essentially using the street smarts that you'll pick up in no time, there's nothing to worry about. I've never once felt unsafe at USC, and I'm an 18-year-old girl from a small town in the Midwest.

Bang for the buck

Everyone knows that USC is pricey. It's a private institution, but they do have a strong financial aid program. When you've been accepted, the university does make an effort to get you there. The only thing I've ever had complaints about are the housing costs (it's Los Angeles...), but one can find off-campus housing that is usually cheaper.

Am enjoying being here

I haven't regretted a single moment of my time at USC, in fact, I often call it the best decision of my life. The people I've met there are all incredibly talented people, and it was a little intimidating at first, I'll admit. But I immediately discovered that USC students are not only brilliant, but accepting and encouraging. I've made friends whom I'll likely keep for the rest of my life.

Am learning a lot

I'm a sophomore Theatre major, and after a year at USC's School of Theatre, I've concluded that there is no better place for young drama students to grow. The quality of the education I've received even in just two semesters is astounding; I've already taken classes from famous playwrights and actors/actresses. The professors have trained all over the world, and they're still committed to their craft. Many of the Theatre professors teach as a side job—their real careers are a few miles away in Hollywood.

Madison from Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Sports fans, those interested in greek life, those looking for a typical college experience.

Tips for prospective students

Focus on your extracurricular activities as well as your grades. Everyone I've met so far is very well-rounded. USC obviously looks for balance, intelligence & personality in prospective students.

Bang for the buck

USC is very expensive, but the teaching is amazing. USC also has one of the best alumni networks in the world. The financial aid office is willing to work with you. I appealed my aid package & my expected family contribution was lowered significantly.

Am enjoying being here

I am still relatively new to USC. I just transferred & I have not made as many friends as I had hoped. Still, I am having a great time. USC has so many involvement opportunities & I would advise all new students to get involved.

Am learning a lot

As a student of the Annenberg School, I get to meet the most amazing professionals. I have been taught by Emmy & Pulitzer Prize winners. The methods at Annenberg are very hands-on. If you want a career in communications, journalism, or public relations, you will definitely learn a lot at USC.

Student from Compton, CA

01/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
28 of 201

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Great for these types of students

This was my first choice school and I still love it because at USC, it is possible to remain focused on your studies. I haven't taken advantage of the gym or participated in many residential hall events or student organized games and activities (I am usually busy studying or working). But this has been my choice, my work ethic is: work before play. At USC, there are other students like me and it's nice to study with them at the libraries.

Tips for prospective students

Everything you need to survive (provisions, laundry, office supplies, ect...), could be found on the USC campus or near the campus. However, it will be expensive! A cup of fruit might cost you almost $6 at the Seeds Marketplace (in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center). Books are expensive at the University bookstore; I recommend purchasing them online. When I need something, I ride the Metro (bus or rail) away from campus to shop there.

Bang for the buck

Tuition is high at USC, but I think it is worth it. USC does provide everything one needs to excel academically in addition to finding networking or career opportunities. To me, this is all I want from a university.

Am enjoying being here

I enjoy being at USC because I am on track to getting my degree and achieving my career dreams. USC is giving me many of the tools I need and this is what I appreciate the most. Life on campus has not been a hindrance to me. In my opinion, housing is best in the Parkside area (if you like cleanness, quietness, privacy, and good study areas). I also love the camaraderie here. I have been able to meet students from all over the world! And it's exciting!

Am learning a lot

USC provides its students all they need to excel academically. For example, the Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity is a place where students can find academic help, assistance with time management, and and study tips. The libraries are also a fantastic resource. There are also many instructive workshops held throughout the semester. However, it is up to the student to find and take advantage of any necessary resources. . Please sign up for classes in which the professor is someone you can understand and work with (thankfully, at USC you have a variety of classes to choose from), because it will decrease your suffering throughout the semester. You will learn much more in classes you enjoy. Choosing the right classes, with the right professors, will help you get higher grades and save you money in the long run.

Elvis (female)

07/10/2014

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

3 out of 5 people found this review useful.
29 of 201

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Campus Safety

Okay, when people say that the campus is surrounded by a bad neighborhood, I get extremely upset. For some reason, people think that a middle class neighborhood with a majority of black residents is a ghetto, which is just not the case. So many people say that this is a dangerous place, but it's no worse than any other place on the outskirts of a city in America. You'll find crime even in the best of neighborhoods, and the rates at USC are really good for a college town in a city. The campus safety is responsible and do a good job. Los Angeles is a lovely town, though a little fake and forced, and if I were you, I'd keep a closer eye on your gold-digging roommate than the people beyond your gated dormitory.

Greek Life

Greek life consists of about a quarter of the students, and it is where a lot of the partying happens. The sororities in general seem really preppy, and this has deterred me some from wanting to join in as I have more eclectic tastes, and I feel as though I may not fit in. Why aren't sororities really about volunteering and helping with the community anymore?

Clubs and Activities

They have a vast array of activities, Greek and more, for any student who attends, and they really wowed me on this front.

Great for these types of students

Preppy students whose parents have the money to pay for the school and/or you are living below the poverty line and are eligible for need-based grants.

Bang for the buck

This is the most expensive school I'm applying for, and they don't call it the University of Spoiled Children for nothing: daddy will buy his little prince and princess their acceptance to this school, and there will be one of these people in every single one of your classes if you aren't the bought slot yourself. The education you get is a good one, but the price seems a little high, especially because you can get a similar schooling experience at UCLA (excluding class size as a factor). There is a lot of wealth endowed into this school, and it seems completely ridiculous to me that there are NO full tuition or full ride scholarships available for the amount of money flowing into the establishment. Sure, you can get one if you're a National Merit Scholar, but not everyone is, which makes this school practically impossible to afford without loads of student debt if you are a middle class individual with above average grades. And if you can pay for this, lucky you, because the 99% can't without their entire family being affected by the astronomical price tag.

What to do for fun

Beach, go downtown, some bars, but be careful of Rape Row. It's a serious issue.

Food and Dining

I ate on campus 3 times, and I wasn't disappointed with the options or the food I got. It seemed like not all of it was great, but I was content with the meals.

Dorm Life

Really small and the suite style dorms aren't very nice considering the amount of money you're paying to live there.

Academic Rigor

As far as I know, the rigor of the courses are intense, but the teachers will push you to do your best work.

In three sentences

It's a beautiful campus where the sun always shines, beach cruisers are a dime a dozen, and the food is not all crap. The academic seem rigorous and fulfilling, and that is always a top priority for me. The dorms seem small, and I've heard bad things about rape on the row, so be careful.

Christine from Valencia, CA

04/24/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Bang for the buck

Full scholarship.. even with an average GPA (compared to other upper students). apply for financial aid and get everything turned in on time. although the overall tuition is high, its easier to get help here than at a UC college. There is also a strong alumni backing that looks out for potential undergraduates.

Anonymous

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Work hard, play hard Sociable Driven Flexible

Tips for prospective students

Meet as many people as you can. USC is incredibly social. Go to office hours. More often than not that will help you. For the times they won't, at least you familiarize yourself with what a professor wants and they can see that you take a vested interest in their class. That makes a difference. Get involved. There are some really outstanding student groups that can really change your experience here.

Bang for the buck

USC is as expensive, if not more, than an Ivy. The Trojan Network does make up for that as it is the strongest that I've heard of. Jobs are almost sealed in that that alumni actively seek undergraduate Trojans in all industries. (And they are incredibly successful in them, too.) If you think about it that you are paying about $40K in tuition for an alumni network, it still kind of gets to you though. Everything at USC still comes with a price, which can really put a burden on your finances. Hopefully that job you get from an alumnus will take care of that.

Will enjoy being here

LA is a city with much to do. It may be hard to get around without a car, but there is a lot to take advantage of within walking distance or through public transportation. USC offers discounts and opportunities to a lot of great events, LA is known for its spectacular food, and people are generally enjoyable to be around. It does get that sometimes LA feels kind of static (surprisingly) with all the same kinds of things to do without a ride, and the wealth and materialism might kind of get to you in the things and people. But at the very least, there are things to do on campus every night, and USC is diverse enough to find a niche to get away and be more grounded, provided that you look for it.

Will learn a lot

Many of the professors are experts in their field, though it is known widely that many of them may not necessarily teach well. TAs often do not speak English well, which could make or break a grade in a class. At the same time, there are a wealth of opportunities to further your learning if you seek it--in a class (there's an honors GE track called Thematic Option that many love), or in the arts (the Visions and Voices Initiative that USC started is amazing), and just about anything else.

Cafe 84 is the best dining hall followed by Parkside. Try to avoid EVK if you can. However, little tokyo and koreatown are just a few miles away. As always, great food and fun places to hang out.

Dorm Life

Can't comment. Did not live in dorms, but I have heard it vary from dorm to dorm.

Academic Rigor

Just like every other school, it is dependent on the major. As a Business Administration Major with an emphasis in Information Operations Management, I think the workload is fair.

Tips for prospective students

-Do not get too consumed into the social scene of USC. -Be open to trying new things and meeting new people. -Explore what downtown LA has to offer. -Utilize the USC career and counseling centers. They are really helpful

In three sentences

USC is a great school with a rich collegiate athletics history and a rising academic reputation. Many people do not believe the USC Alumni network is as strong as many say, but trust me, it is. I found my job through a USC alumni who happened to walk by me in CVS and noticed my USC sweatshirt.

Anonymous

06/10/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

There is A LOT to do for fun at USC. There are always great events going on on campus and different organizations always host trips to various places. USC is in the heart of LA, so there are so many options to have fun. You can go to the beach, catch a movie at LA live, watch a basketball game at Staples Center, go to concerts, eat at tons of restaurants, etc. Bottom line, if you go to college in LA, there's always something to keep you busy.

Food and Dining

USC's dining hall food is pretty average compared to some of the other schools I visited. The food isn't very appetizing on some days, but on some days it's amazing. It's honestly a hit or miss. With that said, the food in the tutor hall is really good. There's a Panda Express, CPK, Habit Burger Grill, and Verde. There are also a lot of food choices close to the school on the opposite side of the streets like Pizza Studio, ColdStone Creamery, and Chipotle. So, there's always food when you need it, if you're willing to pay.

Dorm Life

I personally shared a suite with seven other girls and one roommate, so I can't exactly speak to the traditional dorm style with the communal bathrooms and all. However, I did very much enjoy living with seven other girls who came to USC with a certain purpose like me. Our suite had every type of personality you can think of, yet we all meshed very well together. It's a matter of making the best out of the situation at hand, and we managed to do so for a year. Our suite was cleaned twice a week by staff, so it was maintained very well.

Academic Rigor

USC is definitely improving each semester with its academic rigor. Classes only get harder as you continue to take your major's requirements. It's not easy, but it is doable and this is where college demands you to have great time management skills. In high school, you could get away with procrastination the night before and still get an A. At USC, you can still procrastinate, but the results won't be to your liking. It's important to have that mindset, or else you won't succeed at an institution like USC.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure in the supplement of your essay that you write exactly why you want to attend USC. Colleges like it when they know you actually want to go to their school for some specific reasons, because it means they're doing something right. So make sure to include that, and if you're looking for a scholarship from the university, then make sure to apply by the December 1st deadline.

In three sentences

USC is a great school to attend if you're looking to study in a place where you can feel comfortable with your friends and at the same time be a competitive student by taking rigorous courses. It's the perfect school for someone looking to have a balance between their studies and surroundings in college, as LA has many opportunities to go beyond the college boundaries.

Don't think GPA is everything for a school as competitive as USC. You have to prove your worth as a well-rounded individual. This school is replete with amazing people who have done all kinds of things in their youth. Make your mark! But most of all, have fun.

Bang for the buck

USC is more than a depository for Los Angeles' wealthiest students. The University's research departments are an invaluable resource. If you want an opportunity to participate in research it is ideal. If you are business oriented, this school is possibly the best because of opportunities OUTSIDE the classroom. The networking possibilities and proximity to the business world of LA make business here a dream.

Am learning a lot

The advantage of a private university is the faculty. Some of the nation's foremost experts in all fields. And better yet, the opportunity to always have one-on-one time with them.

Christopher from Hawthorne, CA

03/04/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

It is an everybody school. Its curriculum is one of the best in the nation, and in the world so you are a school only student, definitely the education and networking here is top-notch. For those who are about being in social clubs or extra-curricular activities, USC has so much. I am still hearing about new clubs and organizations just about everyday. There is so much to do here and to learn.

Tips for prospective students

Do not let the fact that it is a private school that costs a lot to attend to deter you from choosing USC. The fact that it is a private school means that its financial awards are even better than those than state-funded schools, and because it is private it has more scholarships available once you are a student. The school does so much to help the students have an education.

Bang for the buck

USC does a lot for its students, but it is up to the student to take advantage of the opportunities. That is the only way one will make sure the money they are paying is worth it.

Am enjoying being here

Everyday there is something going on: moving screenings, sports, company presentations, conferences, social events and more. I do not do so much because one can not be involved in or attend to everything but the few organizations that I am part of and events I attend, I always have a great time. USC football is the best!

Am learning a lot

My intro to engineering class alone, taught me so much about Aerospace engineering. It was just the basics but there was so much, and I heard it was the same for other majors from my friends. USC makes sure each student is educated in their field of study.

Rachel from Temecula, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Great for students who want to engage in many extracurricular activities and who want to enhance their education.

Tips for prospective students

I think the essay is the most important aspect, along with the short little questions that go along with it. The SATs are also a major factor and a high GPA is needed since you are competing against so many other people.

Bang for the buck

USC does not come cheap, but I think the value of its education is quite worth it!

Will enjoy being here

There is so much to do, and I plan to get very involved!

Will learn a lot

I know I will learn a lot of material that will correspond to my major and I'm really excited! USC will definitely help me prepare for the medical field and there are so many alumni!

Trojanwannabe

Rich and fun loving students, naturally smart, or very determined and organized students; i know the variations is off the charts but this is a very diverse school (:

Bang for the buck

Tution is a killer because the campus is amazing, the classes small, the professors amazing, etc but it's soo expensive unless your broke dead poor or amazing at sports you wont be able to get enough scholarships

Will enjoy being here

This school is very spirited with a ton of clubs that you could choose from which would make you feel comfortable being who you are with people like you who would understand you

Will learn a lot

they are perfect when it comes to class sizes because it is small so there wont be difficulties getting to know your professor, but this is a pretty enthusiastic school when it comes to partying and rallies

Kathy

09/01/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

-Students interested in many fields of study -Students who want the full college experience of academics, sporting events, clubs, and dorm life -Students who want a smaller classroom setting -Students who love to ride bikes or walk!

Tips for prospective students

-BE WELL ROUNDED good gpa, good sat, 1 letter of recommendation; extracurriculars such as sports, performing arts, and volunteer that actually means something to you and isnt just generic good volunteer; personalized essay that shows and reflects upon your true character!

Bang for the buck

The one overwhelming factor that saddend me about USC was the cost. The admissions director told us that families should budget at $57,000 a year for USC. That seems to be an unrealistic budget for my family of 8 so I was pretty bummed. What was mentioned also is that there are merit scholarships, alumni funds, and work study that can help me out. And of course I'll keep applying to cappex scholarships as well as FAFSA, gates millenium, zinch, and many others.

Will enjoy being here

I just recently visited USC on August 29th and I was mesmerized! The campus was HUGE and gorgeous. It has the old style buildings I've always dreamed of in a college. The library was amazing, the tracks and gyms were appealing, and there was an abundance of bikes there. There's also convenient shuttle and taxi transportation for free. Students can enjoy the campus life by joining clubs, attending sporting events, and exploring the vast campus!

Will learn a lot

USC grabbed my attention and made my eyes go wide from the moment they started talking about academics. It is a large university with small college qualities- average class size is about 26 students. USC's general eds are the same for all majors making it easier on undecided majors. The program is designed to allow students to double major, minor, study abroad, and enjoy school life all while graduating in 4 years! This was so amazing to me because I personally want to study biology, creative writing, and Spanish. Getting experience and gaining knowledge in all those areas would be very possible at USC!

Helen from Brooklyn, NY

11/13/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Tips for prospective students

Plan ahead! Study hard but have fun as well, you'll burn out if you don't get some fresh air. Be open to try everything here, there is something for everyone. Try something you've never done before, USC is the place to do it.

Bang for the buck

USC is known to be one of the most expensive schools. USC is generous with financial aid though. Apply for scholarships and it will be affordable.

Am enjoying being here

I love being here at USC. There is always something to do and the people are great. The trojan spirit is incredible, it is like no other. There is no place like USC.

Am learning a lot

There are endless amounts of classes you can take here. You are encouraged to explore majors and minors here.

Tips for prospective students is to make sure that you application is a holistic representation of who you are. Although good grades and SAT scores are great, USC also wants to make sure it's students are all around successful students who strive for the best in themselves.

Bang for the buck

The campus is beautiful and definitely safe! The school takes in consideration its location and does its best to make sure all its students are safe. Not only is the school ascetically pleasing, the knowledge you gain by being here is priceless. Also, I know for me, financial aid made it possible for me to come here, so if your thinking its a little too pricey for you, USC's financial aid is outstanding!

Am enjoying being here

I love it here! There is a huge sense of being apart of a Trojan Family and you definitely feel it everyday. I can't tell you the countless times my friends and I have run into someone that is connected with USC and felt like I've known that person for years. Being a trojan means your a trojan for life.

Am learning a lot

This school is very unique in terms of the various amount of excellence it achieves. Not only is it an esteem and amazing school in Business, Dentistry, and Engineering, it also is has a wonderful and excellent programs in Art and Music. I'm learning information through all of these school and being taught in very modern topics. This semester I'm taking a class called Questions of Intimacy in which we talk about how the State controlled intimacy all the way to hooking up on college campuses.

Johnny from Brooklyn, NY

This University is great for students looking to meet a wide range of different kinds of people and looking to have a memorable college experience. You're in sunny California now, baby.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely be open to try new things and take advantage of what is being offered at this great institution. I took the leap from NY all the way to LA and i can't picture myself anywhere else for college. One must also learn how to balance a social life with class work. There can be a lot of distractions at a school like USC but if you can learn how to successfully balance time between work and social activities, you will be successful.

Bang for the buck

As almost any private school, education here doesn't come cheap. However, USC offers a fantastic financial aid program and grants and scholarships come around often. What you're getting at USC is what you make of it. USC is offering you the tools to success. How are you going to use them?

Am enjoying being here

The choice of classes, the people you will encounter here, and the overall environment is certainly one that's almost impossible to hate. USC holds a lot of prestige in California and nationally for that matter, and opens so many doors for people looking to find internships, study abroad, and follow what they love to do. The always-sunny, awesome weather doesn't hurt either.

Am learning a lot

I feel like there is so much to learn at USC. The school offers hundreds of different majors and minors and has so much to explore. I feel like the workload is definitely challenging and will test your abilities, but will not kill you. As a business major, I'm able to explore a wide variety of different classes while still working towards a business degree.

Faith from Covina, CA

1 out of 2 people found this review useful.
1 person found it offensive.
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Campus Safety

dps wont hesitate to shoot you in the knee. we safe.

Greek Life

BEWARE RAPE ROW! This is a very serious thing!

Food and Dining

EVK will get you sick!

Dorm Life

The dorms are the worst part! I was a transfew student adn i got put in Flour Tower with a bunch of freshmen. One of the worst esperiences I've ever had.

Tips for prospective students

If you aren't rich or a bro, you're in for a tough time. Don't go down the Row, we call it rape row for a reason. We have great resources and amazing talent here.

In three sentences

USC is a very unique campus with opportunity at every turn. If you are not busy studying from the top notch professors there's always the exhilarating neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles to keep you busy.

M. from NJ

DPS, the people in Yellow Jackets, and Campus Cruiser all make it a little safer, but there always seems to be a bit of tragedy, whether it be random shootings or people being run over.

Greek Life

A++, just like the South, if it's your thing.

Clubs and Activities

So much variety, so much to do!

Great for these types of students

Smart but fun!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Senior Fountain Run was the bomb! There are some beautiful, not often explored places on campus, but I will leave it at that. Also, the top of the parking garages offer wonderful views.

Bang for the buck

Expensive as heck, but in a beautiful location, and a great school for the most part.

What to do for fun

Grab some friends and hang out on the quad. Go to the Row. Take the DASH downtown, or the bus to Disney. Go to open Mic night at Ground Zero on Mondays. There's plenty to do if you know where to look!

Food and Dining

Parkside over EVK, everyday!

Dorm Life

Depends on what you like and which dorm, but many are loud, while some of the suites or apartment-style ones make it a bit harder to meet people.

Academic Rigor

Depends on your major, but definitely tough.

Tips for prospective students

You get out of it what you put into it. If you arrange your class schedule around not having early classes or classes on Friday, but they aren't the classes you want, don't complain. Also, don't call Campus Cruiser unless you actually plan on taking the cruiser. If you decide you don't want it, call back and tell them, or wait times get long for everybody!

In three sentences

Great school for academics, parties, and sports. Beautiful weather, and beautiful, hardworking people. Great place to live for four years!

Sara from Riverside, CA

08/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students who are very school spirited and like to be involved will greatly appreciate this atmosphere. Although the school is huge, students, professors, and alumni really come together and create what is known as the Trojan Family.

Bang for the buck

Paying for college is definitely a very expensive investment, but it is worth the price because to are paying for an outstanding education and are able to open many doors for your future due to USC's reputation and involvement with an abundance of companies and industries.

What to do for fun

There is a lot to do on campus for fun. There are plenty of sororities/fraternities, clubs, athletic team events/games, intramural sports and other social events the school has to provide.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria is great because they serve different food every night and even sometimes have events/ themes for the food they provide so you get to try new and different dishes.

Dorm Life

Dorm life may not be for all people but its definitely an experience I would recommend to incoming students because not only is it a place to live, but it is also a great way to meet new people and make friends at the university.

Academic Rigor

From an academic standpoint it is difficult to keep up sometimes. It is like that at any university. What i would recommend is to keep a line of communication with your professors and teacher assistants by email or, even better, take advantage of their office hours. As long as you do that, it will be easier to adjust to your classes and will definitely help you understand the material being taught easier.

Tips for prospective students

I would say always stay organized and prepared because becoming a, and even continuing to be a college student can get to be a little more stressful and difficult when projects and finals are do. As long as you maintain a good work ethic and can manage your time throughout the semester, you should be fine.

In three sentences

The University of Southern California is definitely an 11 out of 10. It is such a special and unique university not only due to its prestigious, academic reputation, but also with all it has to offer outside of academia. It is definitely a terrific place to be for someone who is looking to continue their education at a higher level.

Robert from Arvada, CO

08/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

As I mentioned earlier, USC is a sort of bubble. In no small part is this because of the heavy presence of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers that patrol campus and its surrounding areas. You can't go anywhere without seeing one of these guys around. Some are on foot, some on bikes, some on chariots, some in vans. They keep a watchful eye out for anything that could be harmful, and do a great job of keeping things in check. One cannot forget, however, that USC is right in the middle of a very dangerous part of town. Therefore, use your head! DPS is not a promise of absolute safety. Muggings and minor assaults happen constantly, and sometimes they go unsolved. Most of these happen at night off campus when someone is alone. I for one feel very safe knowing DPS is around to help should I need it. I feel very safe at USC.

Greek Life

Insane. Absolutely insane. I've observed the most basic of human desires in fraternity houses. I've made great friends with some of the guys, too, so go figure. It is an environment that must be seen to be believed. Everything your parents told you about fraternities are true here. They are for the most part harmless, and worth a visit if you're in the mood. I know good people that have joined fraternities, and several actually do good things around the community. Most are just party havens, though. The sororities seem much more active around campus, and upkeep a much higher standard of living. I've never been into the Greek scene, and don't know a lot about their ways. However, it is one of the defining factors of USC's atmosphere and you're bound to encounter it sooner or later.

If you aren't afraid to be social, this is the place for you. You can be interested in anything and find a group of people that share your interests. USC is one of the most balanced social environments I've ever encountered.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Frat row is a trip. Plain and simple. Walk down 28th street and you'll see sights worthy of a southern california fever dream. Couches on roofs, parties in the street. The cacophany of dubstep around each corner. USC for better or worse is a school that likes its parties. Each year, the seniors load up on their favorite alcohol and run through every fountain on campus. There are a lot of fountains. As far as on campus locations go, check out the basement of the ROTC building. I'm sure it's been used for a few torture films in its day. The philosophy library is a stunning throwback to simpler times. Wooden walls and sturdy bookcases are illuminated by beautiful hand-crafted window panes. More beautiful locations are hard to find. Like I mentioned, there are a lot of places to explore at USC so I think the best way to find many of these is to look around. You may even find some places I haven't seen.

Bang for the buck

USC costs a heavy buck, but believe me-- it's worth every penny. I've met some of my best friends here. I've learned more from their film program than I have from any book, and I continue to learn each day I'm there. It's an absolute pleasure to walk around that campus, especially in the early morning. There's nothing quite like the sun shining through the trees there. It's a sort of oasis in Los Angeles. A bubble of sorts. You will be treated to several concerts on campus over the course of the year, and it is not rare to run into someone you recognize from TV. I once stepped into an elevator and tried very hard not to stare at the creator of Star Wars standing next to me. The faculty is out of this world, and I mean that in every sense of the term. Be open to their eccentricities, because they always have some golden nuggets of wisdom to share. It is a school unlike any other I've encountered, and they do SO much to make sure you're prepared for the world outside of college.

What to do for fun

Oh boy, where to begin. When you're located just outside of the main hub of Los Angeles, there's always something to do. Before I had a car, my friends and I would usually hang out together in each other's dorm rooms or explore campus at night (there are a lot of nooks and crannies. Check out the Little Chapel of Silence.) Now that the monorail has been completed on the south end of campus, it's a piece of cake to get a cheap ride downtown. That's a whole new playground, and something I can't even begin to describe, but I highly recommend making use of it. I feel old saying this, but I wish I had such a fancy commodity in my freshman days.

Food and Dining

You'll hear a lot of horror stories about the dining hall EVK (Evrybody's Kitchen.) Don't listen to them. Go to EVK should you get the chance, and experiment with what tastes good. A lot of the food is actually pretty delicious considering it IS dining hall food. The pasta is almost always a little off-putting, and the western buffet has some funky looking food on it sometimes, but this is usually the extent of the weirdness. The other dining halls on campus, notably Parkside, have improved options and a more modern architecture. However, I find that if I'm hungry, I go for the food. USC has yet to disappoint in that area. My main bout with the food on campus is the price. For a private university noted for its (ahem) well-financed atmosphere, one would think they would throw the kids a bone and charge a few bucks less on a five-dollar container of grapes.

Dorm Life

My personal experience in the dorms was a little awkward. I entered my freshman year in the spring semester. This of course meant that everyone who had come in the fall had already built their friend groups and bonded for months before I dropped into the USC world. My dorm-mates were all engineers-- a vastly different community than the film students I had met during orientation. And while they were easy to get along with, I found it difficult to bond with many of the people on my floor due to the layout of the rooms. Each set of rooms was closed off from the main hall with a large, heavy door. It was almost like the dorms were designed to make a student anti-social, though with some effort (there's that word again), I was able to make pretty good friends with a few of the people on the floor. By the end of the semester, I was much more comfortable in the dorm and with these new friends.

Academic Rigor

I've had some of the most difficult classes of my young life at this school. There is no time wasted on the slouchers of the world here. If a student is having issues, it is expected that he/she should seek out help. Professors love to help their students! Some of the hardest times I've had in a class have been solved by a trip or two to my professor's office. You'll find that it improves the experience both in class, and (more importantly, in my opinion) on a personal level with the professors. USC has some of the most interesting and mind-expanding courses one could wish to take. It just takes some effort, as do all good things.

Tips for prospective students

This is an expansive university. You may find yourself lost on the first day (I know I did). Don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know here. There's a great sense of connectivity at USC-- lots of school pride. Look around, and you'll see that people are very friendly. I think one of the best things I came to understand here is that it never hurts to ask questions. Someone has the answer. And strive to be the sort of person who is eager to lend a helping hand. This university would not have half the welcoming atmosphere if not for those shining individuals who provide good will to others. Just as in life, what goes around comes around, so strive to learn and grow in harmony with your peers here.

In three sentences

University of Southern California has provided me with a unique experience unlike no other educational institution I've encountered thus far. I feel as if I'm learning not only the essentials about the film industry in which I want to work, but about myself. That being said, it costs a lot to have these privileges and my family and I are doing what we can to ensure I complete my education.

Monica from Charlotte, NC

Always, always, always look for the best deals possible. For books, try albris.com. Great buy!

What to do for fun

Explore. Join interest groups of your choice. Stay involved. This could be the best experience of your life or a waste of time and money, if you don't set goals for yourself and follow through with them.

Tips for prospective students

Untilize all resourses available to you. USC is a great school and supplies all the tools you need for success. Don't look for a party your first year, focus, focus, focus and you will be great!

In three sentences

It is informative classes. Great online classes. They have wonderful, supportive staff members ready to help you.

Jacob from Long Beach, CA

09/24/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The campus is located in the heart of South Central Los Angeles. This is essentially a place you don't want to be after dark unless your at work or school. DPS (Department of Public Saftey) is just about on every corner of every street within a one mile radius of the campus and it's off-campus housing locations. They respond very quickly to any problems or concerns and seeing them makes many students feel a lot safer outside of campus.

Greek Life

Very strong Greek life present on campus. I pledged for the first month of school, but the time constraints were just too much for me. There are very diverse frats and sororities, ranging from the stereotypical party animals to the more laid back friendlier people. There are also many professional and cultural fraternities as well.

Bang for the buck

This school is very expensive, but you do get what you pay for and financial aid is pretty generous if you really do need the money.

What to do for fun

You're in the middle of Los Angeles, any place worth seeing in LA is no more than 30 minutes away. Downtown is down the street and holds endless possibilities of things to do (Lakers game, concerts/performances, events, bars, clubs, artwalks, etc). There are also a lot of clubs and organizations on campus that go sight seeing around the city or do outdoor activities and things of that nature. Intramural or club sports are always an option if you're the athletic type, or you just want to have fun and meet new people. And of course our NCAA teams are pretty phenomenal. Go to a volleyball or basketball game (free for students). If not, thenprepare to be overwhelmed by the madness that is tailgating on game day! Masses of people flock to campus to eat, drink, and have fun before going out to watch some good ol' USC football!

Food and Dining

Restaurants on campus include a few chains such as: Carl's Jr., Panda Express, California Pizza Kitchen, Wahoo's (very good fish tacos), etc. There's is also a market on campus that resembles a small Fresh and Easy with fresh, made to order food options. Dining halls are of course buffet style. One is slightly better then the other, but both are pretty good. There are also tons of food options right off campus which vary from fast food to fine dining.

Dorm Life

I don't personally live on campus but most of my friends do, and from what I hear it varies from dorm to dorm. For the most part however, people are always open to meeting others and having fun, especially during the first month or so of school.

Academic Rigor

As an engineering student, you can basically expect to get your butt kicked in just about every class at any major university. Although, the professors here are good enough to make you understand the material and take these courses head on. These challenging classes combined with great professors will give you an amazing classroom experience that will push you to your limits and accomplish more than you ever thought possible.

Tips for prospective students

GPA isn't everything. Of course it's great to have a 3.8 when applying, but admissions officers are looking for well-rounded individuals who have not only done well in school, but have done things beyond that. Get involved your community or clubs at school that interest you. Try very hard to hold leadership positions whenever possible. Schools love students with leadership experience/potential! And remember that is better to be the President or Treasurer of one club than it is to be a non involved member in 3 or 4 clubs.

In three sentences

This school is flooded with networks and connections in any field. There is a great sense of school spirit and Trojan community within the school and alumni. Football isn't everything, but it's pretty darn close to it.

Lynn from San Diego, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Their campus police and escort service are great. They had a whole presentation about safety and how to report crimes and such, and they're very thorough.

Bang for the buck

It's really really expensive, I just hope I can get the education I want out of it. I did a lot of research before I applied and it seemed to have all the classes and focus I wanted, so I think it's going to be worth it.

What to do for fun

I haven't seen much of what to do for fun, but it looks like there's a lot of activities that happen throughout the year, as well as lots of places to hang out with friends.

Food and Dining

Lots of dining places around, and it seems conveniently placed.

Dorm Life

I haven't seen much of it yet, but it seems fairly simple, if not a little hard to get housing. Though dorms are conveniently located near school and eateries, so that's a plus.

Academic Rigor

They're very rigorous on not cheating, having integrity, and scholarly diligence.

Tips for prospective students

It's a little expensive, but you should plan for that. Also plan on walking a lot if you have a lot of classes, or getting a bike, because the campus is huge.

In three sentences

The University of Southern California is a beautiful school, with a large campus but convenient locations for eating, resting, or getting supplies. The classes and teachers seem helpful and very focused. The community seems friendly too.

Brian from Los Angeles, CA

10/21/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

There are so many things to do in Los Angeles! Go to the beach, take a walk in the Rose Garden right next to campus, check out the Science Center and Natural History Museum, and etc. Plus, you can also join many of the 600 clubs offered here at USC!

Food and Dining

The food is a lot better compared to what they serve you in high school. There are some days when they serve orange chicken, tacos, and etc. The food is culturally diverse and I personally wouldn't mind eating it every day as I am of now.

Dorm Life

As long as you're open and willing to be friendly, your floormates will be as well! I love my floormates because all of us intend to foster socialization on our floor.

Academic Rigor

The writing professors really challenge you to think critically and outside the box, whereas in high school you were always told what to do. There is a lot more thinking to do in college, especially being an independent individual living on your own now.

Tips for prospective students

Apply for many scholarships because USC is expensive! Come with a bike or a shortboard/skateboard. Pick up from your senioritis because it'll really affect you once you start college!

In three sentences

There are tons of resources available for students to use such as the Writing and Math Center, as well as health resources and personal mentors to help with academics. The faculties do a really good job of setting up events for students to come out to. There is no other college that is more diverse than USC, which is in the cultural melting pot of Los Angeles.

Johnny from Los Angeles, CA

If you're concerned about life as a college student, this college covers that aspect pretty well.

Bang for the buck

There's no beating around the bush. USC is pricy and I've known people to opt for cheaper colleges for a similar education. The alumni connection is what brings the bang to this school though.

Am enjoying being here

The weather definitely helps your day to day mood.

Am learning a lot

I feel that each business class is like a brick. Very useful as long as you have an idea of what you want to build but it's the extra curricular organizations that supply the cement to actually put them to use.

USC is organized and the classes in the programs I have looked at are useful. The program I am currently in even goes as far as telling you why this class is in the program at the beginning of the term.

Tips for prospective students

As some other reviewers stated, USC looks at more than just your GPA. For graduate school applicants, recommendation letters carry a lot of weight, as do the essays.

Alex from Irvine, CA

the campus is very tight knit, and there are multiple levels of security systems.

Greek Life

there are frats and sororities, but my friend isn't in one so i don't know.

Clubs and Activities

there are literally hundreds on campus, and i was asked at least twice to join a club, despite being in high school, attended a yearbook meeting with my friend, and observed an acapella (?) group singing, and a group of students playing chess against one professor.

Great for these types of students

driven. don't expect to slack here.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the cinematography building is beautiful, built in the mediterranean open style. personally my favorite.

Bang for the buck

usc will definitely be one of the best college experiences to have.

What to do for fun

it's la. you can figure it out.

Food and Dining

the food was overpriced in the store, example three dollars for a bag of chips. i didn't eat anywhere else, but went to subway off campus, which partners with their meal program at usc.

Dorm Life

there are several fraternities on campus, and the dorm housing is all very nice and communal. a few years old, but one can't expect new housing every year.

Academic Rigor

it's usc. of course it will be difficult.

Tips for prospective students

take harder classes. even if your school doesn't weight them, usc will.

In three sentences

i have visited the school with my friend who attends there. the campus is beautiful and the environment amazing. definitely would like to attend; it also has one of the best business schools in the country.

Joanna from Burbank, CA

02/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the trojan knights guard the tommy the trojan statue during homecoming week when there is the annual football game against rival football team ucla. they wrap tommy the trojan in duct tape in order to protect it. the peace sign is the fight on symbol you say to anyone in the family and it signifies being in the trojan family.

What to do for fun

downtown la is literally up the street and has plenty of gastropubs, restaurants, movie theaters as well as many places to have fun. the football games are extremely fun and many other sporting events.

Tips for prospective students

work hard before entering and save a lot of money to prevent being in too much debt.

In three sentences

this institution is absolutely devoted to improving the local community which is primarily low income and has a high crime rate. the school is extremely loyal to its students and is committed in helping them be successful individually and professionally. usc is by far a top tier educational system that continues to be innovative and paving the way for advances in various fields.

Isabel

USC is big on school spirit--which adds to the welcoming atmosphere. It creates a bond with every student on and off campus. Once a Trojan, always a Trojan.

Academic Rigor

Difficulty of classes range across the spectrum, so you can definitely find the level of difficulty you are looking for. Obviously, some majors are known more for their rigor than others.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely go out to events! If you stay in your room and don't become involved, then you won't have fun--this applies to any college. Attending events is the best way to meet new people, form friendships, and learn about more opportunities. And don't be scared to go to these alone. There will almost always be others in the same situation, and often times its easier to meet people when you're by yourself than if you're already with friends.

In three sentences

USC literally has anything and everything you're looking for in a classic campus experience. I'm excited to call USC home for the next 3 years. The school also really stresses philanthropy, and I love that I can find an org. that shares my same interests since there are so many diverse focuses. And of course, the social scene is fantastic-- there are around 17,000 undergrad students--trust me, you will find people you life here!

Christina from Venice, CA

04/26/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Campus Safety

The university has a very well planned and thought out way to handle safety, and I would say that 9.9 times out of 10 that it always works. Security is stationed all around campus and off campus to keep an eye out for student safety.

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot! Something for everyone. Many clubs are part of national or even international charters.

Great for these types of students

Really anyone can find something at USC. There are some many different types of students at USC that anyone can feel at home.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Well Trojan Spirit is not something experienced at every school. At USC it will become part of who you are. Its exciting!

Bang for the buck

Well tuition is expensive, but if you make use of all there is to offer for students at USC you can definitely get your money's worth. Also keep in mind, that if the class is required for your major you will not be denied/wait-listed to take the class. Except for GE classes, class size is also pretty small, unless you never come to class, the teacher will know your name!

What to do for fun

The student government organizes semester events that can be anything from a carnival to a foam party to a concert. There is also a on going program called Visions and Voices that have many events through out the school year, some are off campus (in which case transportation is provided). All these events I mentioned are FREE to students

Food and Dining

Lots of choices on and around campus. There is also a wide range in both price and cuisine. So its ok to be specific about what you want, you'll find it.

Dorm Life

Lots of fun! I was fortunate to have the same room mate all four years, in university supplied housing.

Academic Rigor

Engineering is challenging and I have heard from room mates that other majors are challenging too. But there are a lot of support groups/tutors that the university offers for free

Tips for prospective students

Upon beginning at the university be out going, try any clubs or organizations you may be interested in. It s a great way to meet students, get involved and learn the ropes at USC.

In three sentences

The student body is very diverse and mostly friendly. There are many student groups for cultural and hobbies. There are also a lot of events free to students for both career and cultural enrichment.

Amanda from Los Angeles, CA

05/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The surrounding area of USC is not so safe but USC's Department of Public Safety has been trying hard to add more officers on each corner of each block every night, as well as have more cars roaming the streets to ensure that all students are safe.

Greek Life

The Greek life at USC is well-known for their great parties and great networking opportunities. The alumni for each fraternity and sorority like to visit and give back to the members of the organizations. Also, it is a fantastic way to meet people, both girls and boys.

Clubs and Activities

Like I mentioned above, there are clubs for everyone, as well as activities on campus for everyone. It is not mandatory to join a club or be part of an activity but it will definitely enhance both your resume and your college experience.

Great for these types of students

All, and I mean it. There are students who spend their weekends volunteering and their school nights studying, and there are students who party three or four times a week, but still get their work done.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

On the morning of each football game there are tailgates on campus with alumni, greek organizations, etc. When it's time to walk to the Coliseum to watch the game, there's a tradition to kick the bottom of the lamppost!

Bang for the buck

Just by being a USC graduate gives you a lot of credibility. USC is a very well-known and respected school, especially in Los Angeles. Although tuition is high, it is definitely worth it only if you take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you throughout your time at USC.

What to do for fun

Join the Greek community, go to the 90 Bar & Grill, go to the bars in Downtown LA, or have dinner at LA Live.

Food and Dining

The food and dining near USC is horrible. There are about two or three good restaurants walking distance to USC but the rest are fast-food chains. Downtown LA has great restaurants but you would need a car to get to them. The food on campus is good but if you eat that for a semester, you will probably go broke because it is pricey compared to other places, and you would get sick of eating the same thing over again.

Dorm Life

The dorm life at USC depends on where you are living. Parkside, a large dormitory complex on the southwest side of campus, is beautiful and has the best food, but probably the farthest to any building on campus. New/North, on the other hand, is closer to the heart of campus and is known for being the social dorm although their food is much worse than Parkside's.

Academic Rigor

USC has some of the top professors in the country. Each major has its own level of difficulty, however. Overall, it is a difficult school but teachers provide you with many office hours and TA's provide you with supplemental office hours as well, to clarify any information that is difficult to you.

Tips for prospective students

1. Know how to manage your time wisely. Some students get too carried away partying each night and have trouble focusing on their work, so attending parties means managing your time well. 2. Become friends with at least one faculty/staff member a semester. You never know if they will help you out in one way or another throughout your time at USC or after college. 3. Network, network, network! It is so important to meet as many people as possible -- from teacher to classmates to staff on campus. 4. Take advantage of all the opportunities that USC provides for students. After all, they're free and you will only have these great opportunities in college. 5. Get involved. USC has a club or organization for every kind of interest you may have. Join the club and get on the board. Not only is it a resume boost, but also a great way to meet people on campus and outside of campus.

In three sentences

Attending USC is like joining a family of brilliant parents (teachers, mentors, advisors) and very bright siblings (friends, classmates). There are clubs/organizations for every interest you may have. Also, there are endless networking opportunities throughout college and even as an alumni.

Ambitious Girl

Trust me, you are safe here. Be smart about where you go and what you do. We all know right from wrong and carry common sense. DPS does their best and takes care of you.

Greek Life

If Greek life is for you, you will definitely love it here. If you are unsure, there are opportunity to find out and either pledge or go in a different direction!

Clubs and Activities

There are countless clubs and organizations here, literally. I guarantee you will find the club or activity that matches you, guarantee.

What to do for fun

There are endless limits of fun around here. Whether your fun consists of hanging with friends, reading, joining a club, working out, reading, or any other form, just know that your joys lie here.

Food and Dining

Be grateful that you are able to enjoy a meal here. there are people out there that don't even get one meal a day. The dining hall is exceptional and the staff works very hard to create an enjoyable experience and meal for you. Talk to them and thank them. They appreciate it. Explore the many restaurants and food places around! You can't come to California and not try an In-N-Out number 2!

Dorm Life

You will meet various people of every color, culture and background. Be open and ready to meet amazing and unique people that you will only find here,

Academic Rigor

Work hard, play hard. Keep up on your academic game. It is possible to achieve that 4.0. All you need is true dedication and persistence to make it through. Make the library your best friend and utilize the many resources around here.

Tips for prospective students

Be open minded and explore the cultural diversity that fills the campus. Make the efforts to get to know your peers. You never know who you might click with.

In three sentences

At the end of the day, I firmly believe that the University of Southern California is truly a school of opportunity and leadership. I am beyond thankful for an eye-opening freshman experience which allowed me to grow and find where my passions lie. There are no limits here and every corner you turn is opportunity waiting for you to claim.

Austin from Bay Area

The campus safety is great, while attending USC I don't feel threatened walking around campus at all.

Greek Life

The Greek Life at USC is very diverse having frats in engineering, leadership, and social frats.

Clubs and Activities

USC has such a wide range of clubs, almost anything you can think of is or can be made a club!

Great for these types of students

Any student majoring in music, film, acting, etc. I would highly recommend attending USC. The Thornton School of Music has a world renowned faculty and the pool of talent is incredible. Same with the school of film and theatre.

What to do for fun

On campus the school tries to have activities or events happening, such as concerts put on by the music school, theatre productions put on by the school of theatre etc. There is also the LA Museum of Natural History right across the street (usc students get in for free). USC also has a ticket office where they sell tickets to places such as Disneyland or Magic Mountain for discounted prices!

Food and Dining

The dining halls started out great but as the year went on they slowly got worse and worse. I would recommend upgrading your dining plan to add dining dollars, the campus center has a wide variety of foods that is a nice break once in a while from the dining halls.

Dorm Life

I stayed in Parkside Arts & Humanities and thought it was great. It was nice being in suites and having your own bathrooms that you only had to share with your suite mates instead of the entire floor. Plus the air conditioning was great once it started to get hot.

Academic Rigor

Make sure you stay on top of your work load. It is a fair amount of work and especially with the extra time you have of not starting school at 8am and not always ending at 3pm, the work can get finished.

Tips for prospective students

THe first tip would be to always use your professors office hours, this is where you will get the most one on one time with your professor, that is why you are paying to attend the school. USC's library has anything you can think of from movies to books to articles of newspapers spanning back many decades. Something that you think couldn't possibly be in the library usually is.

In three sentences

As an incoming student I felt welcomed by everyone I met, everyone is respectful of each other, a lot better than high school. The faculty is so enthusiastic about what they are teaching that it made the learning process more stimulating. USC is a great school, with incredible facilities, and a wide variety of majors and minors for everyone, I would highly recommend this school.

StephAnn from Altadena, CA

USC is in a sketchy area but really, you just have to be smart about how you go about the neighborhood at certain times of night.

Great for these types of students

Honestly, there is something for everybody. If you're sportsy, there's football and a bunch of other sports that we have titles in. If you're artsy, there's the cinema and music school and all of their really cool activities. If you're political, there are a lot of opportunities for discourse. If there's anything I missed, there's that too.

What to do for fun

There is always something to do on campus!

Food and Dining

Two dining halls: Parkside and EVK. Parkside is great. EVK is sometimes a risk, but decent enough. There are other choices on campus that are pretty good.

Dorm Life

Choose a special interest floor for you freshman year if you can. It definitely helps in creating a family.

Academic Rigor

The difficulty of course work depends on the major. Architecture and pre-med students rarely sleep. I wouldn't say it's difficult, you just need to be willing to put in the time and effort. My major, International Relations, is not difficult but there is a lot of reading involved. It just all depends.

Tips for prospective students

Get as involved as possible, whether it be sports or something creative. 'SC is really big on community service as well, though it isn't uber necessary. You don't need an excellent GPA, as long as you show that you are a well rounded student and write a strong admission essay.

In three sentences

The intense school spirit makes you feel welcome almost at once. Staff and fellow students are very considerate and do what they can to help you transition. The choices of majors and minors are broad.

Todd

06/06/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Greek Life

The Greek life at USC is an instrumental part of the social scene and Greeks play a large role in leadership on campus, and have a reputation for being involved in multiple organizations. The different chapters at USC come together and are involved in community service and employ a great deal of Trojan spirit by taking time out of their day to help the Los Angeles community. Many chapters at USC have raised thousands of dollars through the years for various organizations and hospitals in the Los Angeles area and the Greek life at USC continues to establish a great connection with its community. Also, fraternities and sororities play in intramural events on campus, including the Iron Man and the Helen of Troy. These events allow different fraternities and sororities to come together and play in different sports, which are administered by the recreation department.

Great for these types of students

USC is a perfect school for students who love sports and the social scene. Football and basketball are two of the biggest sports at USC and the games and tailgates are very fun. USC is a very social university and for those who like to participate in extracurricular activities and do intramural sports, prospective students will love USC.

Bang for the buck

USC is a very expensive school and from my experience, I think it is worth every penny. I know I would have kicked myself if decided not to go to commit to USC. Not only is the education great, the athletics at USC is great and many sporting events that I have been to have been a great experience. Most importantly, the advisors at USC lay out an academic plan for the students career at USC and they make sure that they are on the right track. I would say that USC is absolutely worth every penny and it offers a great amount of services that other universities do not.

What to do for fun

The LA area offers USC students with an array of activities to do on and off campus. Dodger stadium and Staples Center is located less than a half an hour away from campus and the nightlife in Los Angeles is great. There are a lot of great restaurants around the Los Angeles area that accompany young college students. On campus, there is the Lyon center which houses the USC recreation center. This is an amazing amenity for USC students and there are various facilities in this center. They have tennis courts, aquatics, basketball courts, sport fields, and a state of the art fitness center.

Food and Dining

I have not eaten in the dorms, but I have heard from friends who have dormed at USC that the food is really good. Dining at the dorms is a buffet style and their is a wide variety of food available to students at all times of the day during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, there are numerous dining spots located around the USC campus, including Cafe 84, Coffee bean and Jamba Juice, which is located right next to the Lyon Center.

Dorm Life

I have not dormed at USC because I am a transfer student, but I have had friends who have dormed and said nothing but good things. They said that the rooms were relatively big and it is also a great place to meet friends and potential roommates after freshman year. There a variety of activities and classes located in the dorm that are available that allow students to take major specific courses or general ed classes at there dorm.

Academic Rigor

The academic program at USC is very tough, but it is a private university and the professors to try and help out their students as much as they can. This is not a school where you can skate by with C's and expect the school not to do anything about it. You have to maintain a decent enough GPA and attend classes in order to do well. If you don't go to classes or study, don't expect to do well in your classes. There a wide variety of programs and services that are available to students in order to help them improve their grades and be successful in their desired major.

Tips for prospective students

Before making the decision to attend USC, make sure it is the right school for you and discuss with your parents if it is financially affordable. Explore all options, including your intended major and decide if this school has a great program for your intended major. My advice would be to walk around the campus and see if you like it and get a feel for the place because this will could potentially be the place where you will be for four or more years.

In three sentences

USC provides students with a great opportunity to explore their desired career professions and the dynamic student body enables students to be around a wide variety of people from around the world. This great university has an amazing athletic program and even better school pride. Students at USC are proud to be Trojans and the affiliation of the student body with the University gives the feeling of being apart of a family.

Richard from Woodbury, MN

Lots and lots of Greek life. If you're looking to go Greek, this is where the parties are at.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Fountain Run - every year at the end of the year, the seniors will fill the campus and spend all night running and jumping in all the fountains around campus. It's good, fun craziness.

Bang for the buck

USC is EXTREMELY expensive. Scholarships and loans are a must unless you come from an extremely wealthy family.

What to do for fun

Extracurricular activities. You will find people who have similar passions as you do guaranteed. There's EVERY kind of person at USC.

Food and Dining

It's been improving over the years. The two dining halls, EVK and Parkside, get old after a couple years. But nonetheless, the food is great.

Dorm Life

Depending on where you live, you will get what you're looking. There are quiet, peaceful dorms as well as rambunctious, party dorms. You pick.

Academic Rigor

As I said before, everyone is SO smart. Yes, there are professor that could improve as teachers, but those professors are everywhere. The good professor are absolute stellar.

Tips for prospective students

If you were the top of your class in high school, be prepared to feel average, because everyone's really bright. I would say jump into the extracurricular activities because those are the places where your education will truly be enriched. You never know, a hobby could turn into a passion and then into a career like it did for me.

In three sentences

The atmosphere of the school is incredible. I am inspired everyday by the quality and ambition of the students here. There is a deep sense of pride in being a USC Trojan.

Anonymous

06/10/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Bang for the buck

As everyone knows, USC is a very expensive institution. While I have not been a student there yet, when I was visiting I talked to many students and all of them said one thing: USC takes care of you. As a private institution, I really do feel like USC is one of those schools that will, for the most part, use the money to help make the school more improved and more enjoyable. At the same time, I have already seen USC suck some of my money - orientation costs me what a normal vacation would, for example.

What to do for fun

Go to Santa Monica, catch some football games at the Coliseum, get involved in the hundreds of clubs on campus.

Food and Dining

Pretty decent, with CPK, Panda Express, Carl's Jr. and other popular options. EVK (one of the dining halls) is not good, but Parkside (one of the other dining halls) is, although it is far away from most of the freshman dorms.

Dorm Life

Dorms are dorms, what can I say? This being said, I think that given the high tuition, USC should provide more for the dorms on campus. The suite style living is clean, beautiful, and air-conditioned, but these are also more expensive than the typical dorm style living.

Academic Rigor

The school has so many ways to challenge yourself. From Thematic Option (a rigorous academic program) to the Accelerated Degree Program to multiple Honors programs, you will not be at a loss for academic rigor.

Tips for prospective students

USC is expensive - plan ahead

In three sentences

USC is a dream school for students. With a beautiful campus, amazing opportunities for undergraduate research, great location in LA, and a good reputation internationally, the school is made. One professor has already personally contacted me regarding undergraduate research opportunities even though I start school in the fall.

M.G. from Los Angeles, CA

During finals graduating students participate in a fountain run. Students run in swimwear at night and run around campus wtih friends while making a quick stop at each fountain.

Bang for the buck

It can be pricy to attend USC but it is a worthy investment. The university prides itself on its networking and support for each other. The endless possibilities of networking with others will surely land you many opportunities in your future. Therefore, the price is worth the networks and education.

What to do for fun

USC is located in Los Angeles which is conveniently located close to the beach and the mountains. It is easy to access the mountains during the winter for some skiing and snowboarding. On the other hand, the beach is easily accessible during the summer heat.

Food and Dining

They have a variety of food to choose from. From fast food to fine dining. Whether you are a broke college student or a high earning professor, there are options to choose from and for different tastes.

Academic Rigor

The academics at USC are top notch. Many professors are world-renowned and have a lot to offer to students.

Tips for prospective students

Tips for prospective students: It doesn't matter what your ethnic background or socio-economic status is, USC welcomes all students. Students must be well-rounded and willing to give back to their community is about. USC looks for bright students who contribute and are active in their community.

In three sentences

Attending USC is everything that I expected. The Trojan Spirit and Culture is what I was looking for in a university and I'm so glad to be a part of it. USC has it all, academics, sports, spirit and more.

Adam from Ojai, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

Safest I've ever seen for a mile radius in any direction. Beyond that mile, um... skip the next 3 miles if you can help it.

Greek Life

Always there, but also very friendly.

Great for these types of students

Extroverted, hardworking, those that had to earn their right to come here (None of those whose parents buy their way).

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

um... the whole experience is a tradition. ok, some basics. every newly accepted student is invited to a series of tailgates and BBQs before your first year so you can get to know some alum and other students, football games are NOT optional attendance, and you shall never, EVER wear blue or green to a game.

Bang for the buck

VERY expensive. However, the reputation DOES make a difference. Nobody will admit it if asked directly, but doors have opened just from SAYING I was admitted, let alone graduated from here.

What to do for fun

Lots of stuff, but you have to either be ON campus, or go a ways away.

Food and Dining

Cheap food around and on campus.

Dorm Life

Good, but not AMAZING

Academic Rigor

Daaammmn...

Tips for prospective students

There is no rhyme or reason to the admission decision- don't try to make yourself look better, chances are, it will only hurt your chances. They want people that will 'agree' with the family already on campus.

Trojan from La Crescenta, CA

06/28/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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In three sentences

Campus itself is surprisingly clean despite what people say about its surrounding neighborhood. People are friendly regardless of who you meet, whether it be a tour guide or a random engineering student biking through the quad. Faculty are also very friendly.

Anonymous

There are always lots of events on campus and USC is in downtown Los Angeles, therefore it is close to beaches, mountains, museums and theme parks.

Food and Dining

There is a lot to choose from at USC, from California Pizza Kitchen, to Wolfgan Puck, to Carls Jr.

Dorm Life

I personally did not dorm, I signed up for the apartments as I preferred a more individual living style.

Academic Rigor

The school is very competitive, classes range from easy to difficult as in any school.

Tips for prospective students

USC is competitive, do the best you can.

In three sentences

The campus is amazing, although the area around it is somewhat sketchy, the school its self is very safe and appealing. The professors that I have met have been very kind, approachable and knowledgeable.The financial aid office is very helpful.

Usc Marshall from Los Angeles, CA

07/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USC is located in one of the most dangerous parts of Los Angeles. However, campus police and local law enforcement has a strong presence and continuously finds new ways to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff

Greek Life

Great selection of Greek organizations that help students socially And academically

Clubs and Activities

Over 150 student organizations, several volunteer opportunities.

Great for these types of students

Students who are interested in both theory and practical courses. Students who are not afraid of being social. Students who are willing to work relatively hard for their grades.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Graduating seniors run through over 10 water fountains the day before graduation inside USC.

Bang for the buck

Although the university is pretty expensive, several fortune 500 and fortune 100 companies recruit from USC. Repaying student Loans should not exceed 10 years for the average student (in my opinion).

What to do for fun

The new LA Live area has several attractions starting staples center, the regal movie theatre, and the convention center. The Galen Cente across from USC also hosts several concerts through the year

Food and Dining

Great selection of food but most of it is expensive. There are however, fast food options, mostly outside the university.

Dorm Life

Pretty good dorm life. Several options to choose from and USC continuously builds new dorms and apartments for students

Academic Rigor

Varies by major. Business administration and all engineering tracts are one of the most rigorous majors, consisting of several group projects, presentations, exams, quizzes, and homework.

Tips for prospective students

Take advantage of career services, avoid commiting yourselves to too many extracurricular activities, take advantage of the small class sizes by visiting with your professors.

In three sentences

Great school that prepares students both academically through a well-rounded education and professionally through career services, recruiting events, and mentoring. The USC Student body has a track record of helping each other, even in the most competitive majors like business administration and engineering. I strongly recommend attending A university that has contributed over 1 billion dollars in gross domestic product (GDP) to the city of Los Angeles and has one of the strongest alumni network in the world.

Bryan from Norfolk, VA

07/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Despite being close to one of the more dangerous neighborhoods LA, USC's campus safety makes it among the safest places in the city. It was almost entirely unaffected by the LA riots, and there is always a thorough effort to resolve crimes around campus.

Greek Life

Expensive, since houses in downtown LA are prime real estate, and exclusive. If you're not a girl you can't get in. However, If you are a member, the Greek life is very active, and if not, there are more than enough options to party elsewhere off campus.

Clubs and Activities

Over 600 clubs on campus, more than any other university in the US. From fencing to Disney movie watching, there's something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Well rounded, While academics are the priority, athletics are also emphasized, and the environment is very social, even for a college.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Running through all 30 something fountains, wearing school colors almost every day.

Bang for the buck

USC is expensive (although their financial aid is excellent,) however, that said, its facilities and student resources are nearly unlimited.

What to do for fun

Different for everyone, there are parties up to four days a week, but if you don't want to go out there's no pressure to. There are also over 600 student clubs, a wealth of off campus opportunities to have fun in LA, and enough going on in the dorm or on campus on any given night to keep anyone occupied.

Food and Dining

On/off campus restaurants are good and diverse, but expensive. There are two meal halls, which people complain about a lot, but with a grill, latte maker, made to order bar, and more, I'm not complaining.

Dorm Life

Awesome, some are more quiet than others, but every dorm builds its own community, and most of the dorms are pretty nice.

Academic Rigor

It's USC, it's not easy. You can get by taking easier classes if you try, but academics are challenging.

Joanna from Burbank, CA

There aTrore a decent amount of places, but I think there should be more considering the amount of students. I do like Lemonade, CPK and Trojan Grounds.

Dorm Life

I never lived in the dorms so I do not know.

Academic Rigor

It has overall highly qualified teachers that push students to be the best they can be. They are very challenging and supportive.

In three sentences

This institution has a strong sense of Trojan family pride. It demonstrates this through programs at hiring Trojans after graduation, networking as well as strong support services. USC maintains a high quality reputation and strives to improve every year.

Ian from New York, NY

07/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Honestly, nowhere you go is going to be devoid of crime entirely. There's no happy little commune where the laws of human greed have magically disappeared from the earth. That being said, USC is quite safe. At least, I feel that way. On campus, I don't think there's anything to worry about, it's a whole different world from the outside. Off campus, is guarded by DPS and LAPD and yellow jackets - security guards USC hires to stand on street corners and make sure nothing shady goes down. Yes, there was a shooting this past year. Yes, it was scary, and yes two grad students died. It was also more than half a mile away from campus, and not where students usually go. The area just north of campus, basically feels like campus because of the yellow jackets, prevalence of university-owned stuff, DPS cars, and students everywhere. The other three sides are more dodgy, but on the East, the highway blocks off the shady section from 'SC, to the South, the Coliseum is there, Only west is it a little more odd. But I also feel that way because houses are weird to me (I grew up in an apt). If you're only a block or two away from 'SC, you don't have anything to worry about. That's not to say don't be alert, I think people should always remain alert, but don't walk scared or paranoid. This isn't bed-stuy in the '70s.

Greek Life

We have it. Quite a bit of it. It's way more in your face than it is prevalent though. If you were to judge by representation, you'd probably figure USC is half greek. That's not the case. If they want to lowball the estimate (usu for parents & super academic kids), you might hear a 25% figure, if they want to make it seem like more (usu greeks telling you that they're awesome) you'll generally hear a 30% estimate. A 5% difference doesn't seem like too much, but when they phrase it as only a quarter vs. nearly a third! you realize that the marketing students definitely got in on it, and it does make a difference.

Clubs and Activities

I hate them, and I love them. If I could find the time to do all these damned things, I would. Problem is, clubs can sometimes be difficult to find, to get in contact with, or learn about. In the supermarket of activities and clubs, we have a great selection, but the aisles aren't always well marked.

Great for these types of students

Goal-oriented & motivated. Most of the kids here want something, and not just abstract knowledge. The five traits of a Trojan are that one must be faithful, scholarly, skillful, courageous, and ambitious. We take that stuff seriously. If you want to go places, and not an abstract go places, but real ambition, and you can back it up with courage, skill, a dedication to academics, and faith, here could very well be the place for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Fountain Run. On the night following the last day of classes, the seniors try to jump into all of the nearly 30 fountains on campus. This is no small feat, considering how not-sober most are, and also that sunny southern california can get chilly at night time because there's no humidity to hold the heat. It's funny to watch, to speak to them, to follow (if you have the chance), and it must be awesome if you're a senior.

Bang for the buck

This is really what you make of it. USC has amazing resources available to you, but it's up to you to figure out how to use them all. Nobody's gonna baby you and walk you to class each day, or to the career office, or any other place. You have to take the initiative and get your lazy butt up. But once you do, you'll find worlds open up. I know I only figured out a couple of them just as the year ended. I was kinda tight about it, but hey, I'll know next year. Sometimes, though, you'll feel like you don't have enough time to get to do all these things that you've found and want to pursue. Just make sure you don't freeze up like a deer in headlights because of too many choices.

What to do for fun

Make friends. Make friends with cars. Explore downtown, explore beaches (if you can figure out how to get there), k-town, karaoke, surf, kite surf, go to concerts, go clubbing, skydive, parasail, go out thurs, fri, sat, Go out any other night of the week, go camping, do a club, GET YOUR SEASON TICKETS. And *drumroll* the easiest, greatest, one - chill with friends. Most of these cost money, but some don't. And if you get tired of chilling with your friends...find new friends. Why do you have boring friends?

Food and Dining

Again, judging by my friends' supposed experiences, USC is heaven. However, like all good things, it came to an end. Most people got bored of the food anywhere from 1/3 to 2/3 through freshman year, which meant it could hit first or second semester. Also, the food gets markedly better when parents are around. On the whole, the food was decent, and got much better after a new chef was hired. Still, regardless of whomever was cooking or visiting, by the end of the night, things being cooked were made with whatever ingredients (or substitutions for) were left. Sometimes that meant burgers on toast. Sometimes that meant the curry was a different color (still acceptable curry color, but different e.g. green vs. yellow)

Dorm Life

If I were judging by my other friends returning from their respective colleges, I would give it a 5-star, because their colleges sound like drek compared to what I had, but I've never lived there, so I can't be sure they aren't throwing hyperbole at me. I lived at Parkside (the darkside). Parkside is the section of quiet dorms on campus. Let me tell you, if you want to find stuff and you make friends well, you will never have a problem. Even in Parkside. However, it's also nice not to worry about assholes pulling the fire alarm at 3am, and having quiet in the study spaces if you need to write that paper due in a few hours that you've had since day 3. Also, MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR RAs. They're usually cool people, and they also have access to nice parts of the building that may or may not usually be off limits without an RA.

Academic Rigor

It's easy and hard all at once. Things seem to take a really long time to figure out, even though it doesn't seem like that much work. I can't decide if it's because I procrastinate too much, and I like going out, or because I'm an engineer, and problem sets are just supposed to be difficult?

Tips for prospective students

Talk with people here to see if you like them. USC's biggest asset is really its kids. One thing you'll definitely find here is that everybody wants to go somewhere and do something. Like a job. Or, more likely, a company. Most people are here for academics, but they want to take things from it, and put it to use making money. You don't see too many people exploring academic pursuits just for the academia. We like learning, but we also like doing.

In three sentences

I wasn't sure how much I'd like it when I first got here. That's settled now. FIGHT ON TROJANS!

Two great dining halls and a flexible meal plan, though it can be pricy. Many will get the highest meal plan if they can afford it but the Cardinal plan will give you the ultimate dorm-living experience if you get it.

Dorm Life

Fantastic, no matter what freshman dorm you are in you are bound to meet a lot of people.

Academic Rigor

Four stars because it depends on your education path. Whether you choose to be in a major which challenges you more will determine the rigor of your coursework. I've seen many students with ample free time, and some with none at all.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to visit campus, stay with a student through one of USC's great overnight programs so you can ask questions about classes and dorms. There is an advantage to knowing about the school before you arrive.

In three sentences

Home to a number of well-rounded and driven students. You will be constantly surrounded by ambition, excellence and school spirit. USC emphasizes it's Trojan family but be sure to find your niche within it.

Kristen from Long Beach, CA

Work out financial aid/issues many months prior to the start of the semester. Social Work students - be persistant when contacting financial aid department. They are over-worked and under-staffed!

In three sentences

Offers programs not offered by any other schools. I attend a satellite campus & get great 1-on-1 attention. Professors are tough graders because they truly want students to be successful in their careers.

Jenna from South Pasadena, CA

I like to read and watch my favorite TV shows. I also like to travel and spend time with my family and my puppy.

Food and Dining

I have only eaten on the health science campus. I recommend the hospital's cafeteria it is actually quite good. I have also eaten at Sam's truck. On the main campus I highly recommend lemonade!

Dorm Life

I have not lived in the dorms at USC, but I did live in the dorms while I was working on my undergraduate degree. I think that it was overall a good experience for me, because it allowed me to get to know others build lasting friendships.

Academic Rigor

USC, especially their graduate program is quite challenging and rigorous. However, the challenge is a good one and it teaches you education beyond the classroom.

Tips for prospective students

I recommend that you get involved on campus. I would join clubs and organizations so that you can meet new students and begin networking. I recommend going to your professor's office hours and getting to know them better in person.

In three sentences

USC provides their students with great financial support and an exceptional educational experience. USC has a warm and welcoming staff. USC has great connections for networking in the future.

Bryan from Monroe, NC

USC is well-equipped with security which patrols not only the campus but also the surrounding area for students living off-campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Annually, seniors partake in the Fountain Run where they all run to every fountain on campus and swim in them.

What to do for fun

The location of the campus in Los Angeles provides students with various opportunities for fun. The beach is easily accessible through public transportation, and camping and skiing in the mountains is only about an hour away. The city itself provides various points of entertainment such as concerts, museums, and theme parks outside of the Los Angeles area.

Food and Dining

Much of the dinning options found on campus are catered towards healthy and nutritious eating and can be suited to fulfill one's dietary needs.

Dorm Life

The dorms here are comfortable and spacious. Dorms on campus are set up to allow students to interact with each other other and socialize in their rooms or suites.

Academic Rigor

The courses are meant to be challenging but enriching. The teaching faculty here consists of well-distinguished professors.

Tips for prospective students

Do not be hesitant to try anything new. The wonderful thing about USC is that it is a diverse and vibrant student community which positively influences a student's growth.

In three sentences

The University of Southern California is the ideal university: perfect weather, great campus, and awesome football. Though located in a metropolis area, the campus serves as an academic escape from the busy city, and campus security does an extremely great job of keeping students safe not only on campus but also in the surrounding area. The teaching faculty here consist of the best in their respective fields and offer a unique and enriching learning experience.

Maria from Menasha, WI

Taking classes through the VAC program so I cannot comment about the campus however the security on the web is incredible.

Greek Life

Taking classes through the VAC program so I cannot comment.

Clubs and Activities

Taking classes through the VAC program so I cannot comment. But the clubs have reached out to me which is very welcoming!

Great for these types of students

Great for the well motivated and goal orientated person. This is not a party school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Taking classes through the VAC program so I cannot comment.

Bang for the buck

If you are earning a degree that will pay very well I believe this is a great school. For a degree that will make less I would really take time to consider the pros and cons of cost of the school. They definitely have a great resources!

What to do for fun

Taking classes through the VAC program so I cannot comment.

Food and Dining

Taking classes through the VAC program so I cannot comment.

Dorm Life

Never Lived there.

Academic Rigor

This is a tough school but again they want you help if you are struggling with the classes.

Tips for prospective students

Look into lots of scholarships!

In three sentences

This is a school that wants you to succeed and gives you lots resources to help you through school.

Brent from San Jose, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

You'll catch on quickly

Bang for the buck

Being a private university the smaller class sizes really allow students to grasp the information and recieve help when needed. The out of class activities make the school that much better.

What to do for fun

Any athletic event is a great way to get closer with your peers, and there is no doubt a great amount of student pride at USC. With downtown LA not far, life outside of campus is active and available.

Food and Dining

Plenty of options on campus, allowing you to have a quick meal no matter what time. Healthy choices are a little harder to find though.

Dorm Life

There are plenty of places to stay, each brings their own unique qualities. No matter where you choose to stay, you can expect clean facilities and plenty to do.

Academic Rigor

Being a private university you do have access to many smaller class sizes, allowing students the one on one help they need. Although you are given the tools to succeed, keep in mind it is the students responsibility to use them.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved early. No matter who you were last year, you have the opportunity to get started on the right path by making connections early.

In three sentences

From the moment you walk on campus you can feel the history that is USC. Acceptance to this University grants you membership to a long tradition of pride and prestige. Fight On!!!

Sabrina from Victorville, CA

There are so many students, staffs, and faculty that there are virtually help around every corner!

Greek Life

A fantastic way to make friends and began a journey to sisterhood/ brotherhood. It is the short cut to getting your social life on track!

Clubs and Activities

There are countless clubs and activities on campus. The hardest part is to choose which one, or two, or even seven, to go to!

Great for these types of students

Interested in research opportunities Love to meet international students Looks forward to trying new things Want a challenge in their academic life

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

A lot of football fans travel to Stanford and New York City for the weekends to support our amazing football team!

Bang for the buck

USC is more costly than UC's, however, it is definitely worth it. You get to meet a lot of successful alumni that will get you the connects to set you on the right path towards your career!

What to do for fun

We are located in the City of LA. So there are plenty of fun things to do: Hollywood, concerts, huge malls, extravagant dining places, museums, and much more! However, on the campus itself, you can find any sport activities or watch free movies at the school of cinematic arts!

Food and Dining

The food is fantastic, very vegetarian friendly.

Dorm Life

I was fortunate enough to have the best roommate and dorm mates here at the Honors House! We have pizza/movie night every Sunday. Last Sunday was Paranormal Activity 3, it was great bonding time!

Academic Rigor

The classes here are a bit more challenging than both high school and community college combined (well the science ones anyways). The majority of the classes do not have homework, so your grades depend entirely on exams and labs.

Tips for prospective students

Do not try to do everything. Instead, pick a few things that seems interesting to you and go for it. Don't let other people's negative/positive opinions cloud your judgments.

In three sentences

The atmosphere and people around this campus is very friendly. Welcome to the Trojan Family is more than a slogan, you'll feel right at home here at USC! School spirit is as endless as the list of activities you can do in the city of LA.

Elijah-Asher from Meridian, ID

I've read about a lot of clubs, there's tons of people, in a place that has the population of a small city, I'm sure you'll find others into the same interests as you.

Food and Dining

USC is very close to the downtown area, there's tons of food options if you have transportation, plus there's a restaraunt here and there on campus.

Dorm Life

From what I've seen, there's a lot of room for incoming freshmen, and you have to be in the dorms your first year. I hear the commune is great and there's many ways to entertain yourself and be social, without going all out.

Academic Rigor

You only go into a University that's high on academic lists so that you can come out on top.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you get your admissions for scholarships and acceptance in as fast as you can. Especially go after your reccomendations early.

In three sentences

I have been to the campus only once and I've seen only a bit past the surface. What I have seen was amazing, It's a humongous university offering classes on just about everything you could think to study on. The people there are very nice and proffesional, something that I've heard is hard to find in the region of California.

Jamie from Los Angeles, CA

Definitely get the student discounted season passes and go to the football games.

Food and Dining

I have not yet eaten on campus. I have not heard anything about the food on campus.

Dorm Life

I do not live in the dorms. I have not heard anything about the dorms.

Tips for prospective students

The new Metro Express Line allows me to commute to school very easily and efficiently, as I do not live on campus. I recommend using this form of public transportation, if needed.

In three sentences

I am enjoying the graduate program at USC's Rossier School of Education. The class sizes are small, which allows me one on one time with my professors and classmates. My professors are passionate about their field, and have been driven to help each student put their best foot forward.

Dj from null, null

10/22/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

'SC has a fratty and ditzy-blonde image, but in reality, it's totally untrue. While there are lots of Greek active people around, there are so many others in the 17,000 or so undergrads. And let's not discount the 19,000 or so graduate students. Thanks to the creative departments such as the film school, art school and music school, you will meet a lot of different kind of people.

Bang for the buck

I don't pay to go to school. I pay to live and pay my rent. USC is an incredible opportunity for me, as far as connections, education and real-life experiences go.

What to do for fun

There are so many events on campus, I can't even list them all. I'm geared for film, so watch out for events held by visions and voices, some departments will hold screenings, etc. There are tons of sports and Greek-life activities, as well as multicultural clubs.

Food and Dining

I don't not own a meal plan.

Dorm Life

I decided to live off-campus, so I cannot comment on the dorms.

Academic Rigor

The academics here are challenging. Not so much of soaking in and regurgitating materials; rather, the curriculum here is focused on APPLICATION of knowledge and philosophy to the real world. If you pick your classes carefully that cater your interests, then you can have a hard but fun semester at 'SC. The professors here will most likely bring in valuable experiences to class, as well as strong connections to students. It's up to you to seek for them and get active.

Tips for prospective students

I highly recommend you bring a car, or find someone who does and negotiate to pitch in for gas. Do not walk around at night in South LA, as it can be very dangerous. However, danger is almost too easy to avoid, since there are lots of patrolling around the campus radius. It's common sense that will either save you, or kill you. Also, take time explore when you get to 'SC. I took on an internship and work-study, which bit me in the butt. Make sure you manage your time and schedule carefully. And don't get too ambitious...at least not this early on.

In three sentences

The financial aid here, for the low-income families, is amazing, as I received a package that nearly covered my entire tuition with university grants and scholarships. The academics are very interesting, to say at the least, offering very specialized and hands-on courses or a decent selection of liberal arts courses if you're primarily concerned with graduate school. The campus aesthetics are beautiful and epitomize a quintessential college experience in Southern California.

Maxwell from Los Angeles, CA

10/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I've never felt in danger. I am a tall male so that also helps. But the campus police are everywhere and they work closely with the LAPD to resolve any crimes. Can't say I would recommend hanging out on campus really late though just because it is completely empty around those early morning hours.

Greek Life

The fraternities and sororities all live on one street. The houses are very nice and they party all the time. It is actually quite impressive. There is always a big party every week at one of the houses. Usually there are a lot more. The sororities are extremely preppy.

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of weird clubs but not many basic ones. It is also pretty much entirely up to the students to form and maintain these clubs. Not impressed with the clubs at all to be honest.

Great for these types of students

Preppy and super studious students

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Football games at home are nuts. People from all over swarm the campus and coliseum. It is definitely insane.

Bang for the buck

I can't say I am impressed so far with this school. The classes and teachers are not that much better than my old community college. The only thing that makes it hard are the tests. The tests are all designed to be very hard and I don't feel they accurately test what students know. The only thing that I can think of anymore to justify the enormous cost of attending USC is the Alumni program which (I hope) will get me a job and just the name recognition of the university. It looks good on a resume.

What to do for fun

Go to Hollywood or Downtown LA or go to a Greek party or take the Metro to anywhere in LA or go the the beach.

Food and Dining

The dining halls are like hometown buffet. There is a ton of fast food off campus so that is very convenient.

Dorm Life

Super small and super expensive.

Academic Rigor

It all depends on your major but it is pretty hard all across the board.

Tips for prospective students

Find housing early and don't live in USC's housing. It sucks compared to the other things out there.

In three sentences

This school can be described and difficult and campy. All of the students are really into school spirit. The classes are understandable but the tests are poorly designed and unreasonably hard (based on my experiences so far).

Cecilia from West Covina, CA

USC cares for campus safety. It frequently sends email with safety tips. Security is always available if needed to walk during night hours. If and incident does occur, everyone is informed via email.

What to do for fun

USC is located in the city of Los Angeles, so there are lots of things to do. There are museum in walking distance, and a few miles away is LA Live, an entertainment venue with theaters, restaurants, and shopping.

Academic Rigor

The courses are very rigorous, but the professors are always willing to help you after class hours.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to ask for help. USC will find a way to help you.

In three sentences

University of Southern California was very helpful during the admissions process. And, once admitted there was a different person to help with every aspect of being a student. Their courses are very socially relevant to teaching in any setting.

Mischa from Thatcher, AZ

11/13/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

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Bang for the buck

Apparently the School of Cinematic Arts has a showing of a different film each day of the week. And at the showing most often the director is present, there to answer questions after the screening. What a treat.

What to do for fun

Again, this is LA, there is little one can not do. Each to their own.

Food and Dining

I imagine LA dining exceeds most others (that is of course besides New York).

Dorm Life

Of this I am certainly unsure.

Academic Rigor

In the registration information the difficultly of the courses could be felt from the mandate on the kind of hard drives to purchase alone. I have already begun on the long life of films one is required to see before entering- good thing I have most under my belt.

Tips for prospective students

If at first you fail to succeed, do try again. My initial application was rejected due to an error in the transcript office so I am quite glad to have put forth the effort a second successful time.

In three sentences

It is such a treat to have been accepted into the MFA program, the University has been very gracious about everything. The prestige of the School of Cinematic Arts is such that I anticipate nothing but hard work and great reward. It will be a challenge well worth it.

Erika from Bellevue, WA

11/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The neighborhood that the university is in is not that great. However, there is a lot of security around the campus. As long as you are not in the wrong place and make mature decisions, you should not run into trouble.

Bang for the buck

This school is known to have really high tuition, but the probability of you getting a job is really high. The Trojans-hire-Trojans program is great and the networks you will make are not something to be ignored.

What to do for fun

There are all sorts of points to get onto public transportation, and it is even better if you have a car. It is really close to downtown LA and the beaches.

Food and Dining

The food is not too bad, but it is not too great. There are some really good days, but do not expect high-end restaurant-status meals.

Dorm Life

Depending on the dorms you're staying at your experience will be different. As a resident of IRC, similar to A&H, I have found the facilities to be amazing. The accommodations are great, but the only problem is that it is a bit secluded from the northside of campus.

Academic Rigor

The classes are difficult, but depending on the high school you went to, the experience could be different. It also depends on which major you take. As a business major, I have found that if you dedicate your time, then it will not be too bad.

Tips for prospective students

Do not be afraid to apply! The school looks at how well-rounded you are and does not specifically focus on one aspect.

In three sentences

Is a great university with a lot of school pride. The Trojan Network is definitely something to look into and is key to helping you getting a job in the future. The faculty are always willing to help you attain what you want for your future.

Eric from Monrovia, CA

12/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USC is located in an urban environment with the city of Los Angeles surrounding it on all sides. That being said, there are times when crime takes place (just like with any urban area). Night life off-campus is the only time when students should be careful of the choices they make. Fortunately, USC provides on-campus security called DPS (Department of Public Safety) which are always on patrol during the day and night. DPS secures parameters on and off campus (about a mile off campus). They are also partnered with the LAPD to perform joint operations and keep students safe. Student life at USC is safe. Incidents in the surrounding area should not hurt USC's reputation in any way.

Greek Life

Greek life is one of the most celebrated aspects of campus life at USC. Greek life offers yet another opportunity to meet new people, get a sense of belonging to the community, and share events with a diverse population of the student body. Greek life is almost another dimension to the college experience. Not every student will have an interest in joining a fraternity or sorority, but that does not stop all students from enjoying events that are put on by the Greek houses. For those students who do want to explore Greek life, there are plenty of houses to consider based on how well you fit into the culture.

Clubs and Activities

USC offers hundreds of clubs and activities that target a variety of student interests. There is a club or activity for every hobby, sport, ethnicity, culture, religion, major, and volunteer service. On the off chance that there isn't, students are encouraged to start their own clubs and activities.

Great for these types of students

USC is great for students who: have school spirit, want to pursue a career in Los Angeles or abroad, want a diverse student body, want plenty of extracurricular activities, be close with their teachers, and have a sense of family on campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

USC students have many traditions. Our motto is Fight On which is used in conversations between students and fans. We have a USC spell out with is said in sporting events. Our school colors are cardinal and gold which translates to the colors we wear to show school spirit. Popular locations on campus are: Tommy Trojan, Traveler, Trousdale parkway, the Coliseum, Ground Zero, and the Bookstore.

Bang for the buck

Besides an excellent education, USC offers many complimentary opportunities and services. Events on campus and student organizations are constantly giving away free food and free sporting goods at games and meetings. Many students get to have free meals with faculty members to discuss their major and future career path. The career center helps students with every aspect of applying for internships and part time jobs on and off campus. USC offers up to date facilities from artificial turf intramural fields to high tech labs with the most recent Mac and PC computers on the market.

What to do for fun

USC is located in the heart of Los Angeles. There are a variety of things to do on and off campus depending on your ability to travel around the area. On campus, there are athletic facilities, dining areas, a track and field, a gym, and libraries just to name a few. Off-campus sites can be reached by a short walk or a short drive. To facilitate transportation, the Metro is located less than 50 feet off campus. You have the city at your fingertips. Students can go to LA Live, Downtown LA to shop, Culver City Mall, the AMC movie theatre, Santa Monica Beach, and any other place of entertainment around the area.

Food and Dining

USC provides more than sufficient food and dining options. On-campus cafeterias and dining halls can be accessed through the purchase of a school meal plan. Students receive ID cards in their first couple days on campus which will hold whichever meal plan the student chooses. Meal plans consist of a set number of swipes per day that a student can access cafeterias with the option of dining dollars for the fast food restaurants on campus. There is also a discretionary account on the ID card for students to spend money on food and pay for it later. There is also a variety of off-campus options just a short walk away such as: McDonald's, Carl's Jr., Panda Express, Chipotle, Pizza, Subway, and Wendy's (just to name a few).

Dorm Life

USC dorm life has a diverse set of options for every student who wants to live on campus or near campus. International students have their own dorm which is optional and offers more accommodations and privacy than the basic dorms. The least expensive Residence halls are also the most social due to the decrease in living space and privacy. For those students who don't want to share bathrooms with 32 other students, there is a suite style dorm that provides accommodations shared by fewer students. USC also has off campus housing for upperclassmen and independent students. These apartments are owned by the school and provide the basic maintenance that any apartment would provide. Lastly, there are the houses of fraternities and sororities that are optional if students are interested in Greek life.

Academic Rigor

Academics at USC will be challenging, but it will also give you the tools needed to compete in the job market. Students with high GPA's in high school may be surprised to see a lower GPA in their first year of college, but if they rise to the occasion, they can finish with a strong GPA that represents their efforts. Most classes are not meant for students to coast through, but instead to encourage students to dive deep into the subject and focus on the material rather than just your grade in the class.

Tips for prospective students

To all prospective students, Congratulations on your academic achievements! If you are considering to attend USC, there are a few helpful tips. 1. Review your financial aid package carefully and make sure you receive as much aid as possible. Tuition should not discourage you from pursuing an education at USC. 2. Make sure USC knows all the majors you are interested in and join a school that will best represent you (e.g. Marshall School of Business for any type of business major). 3. USC has a network of alumni and recruiters that are looking to help you excel in the subject of your interest. 4. Take advantage of all the opportunities USC has to offer (academic tutoring, career center, meet faculty members, join student organizations etc.) 5. USC has many opportunities to study abroad- Talk to your family and counselor as early as freshman year!

In three sentences

The University of Southern California is a private, urban college in the heart of Los Angeles, California. The university is widely recognized for its excellence in athletics, but even more so for its academic prowess. With its esteemed faculty, students are challenged to pursue a leadership position in any desired subject of interest.

Allyson

Despite the shootings and scares, I feel safe on campus and the security has been even further strengthened recently.

Great for these types of students

Those who are academically strong but want the opportunities and perks of a crazy social life.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Ground Zero has great milkshakes. Check out the the third floor of the Campus Center for a nice study area. As for traditions... Learn the SoCal Spell Out!

Bang for the buck

USC is pretty expensive, so I'm not sure if it's really worth paying full tuition, if that's what you're in for.

What to do for fun

By car or public transportation, check out LA Live or Koreatown or.... I could go on and on. On campus, there's often cool concerts and events and such. Don't worry, you'll always find something to do ;)

Food and Dining

EVK is pretty good since the renovation, Cafe 84 has its perks (actual, scooped ice cream and sometimes crepes), but Parkside usually has the most variety and best food. The campus center offers good alternatives to dining hall food (like Panda Express and CPK).

Dorm Life

Birnkrant is the best! If you are a scholarship student, do everything you can to get in. The environment is great. It's right by the 24/7 library and Strabucks, too! Otherwise, Pardee seems pretty good. The Parkside suites are pretty isolated, but nice.

Academic Rigor

Classes are not easy, but they are nearly all doable. USC offers some amazing classes and professors.

USC is a wonderful place full of wonderful people. Not only is it rapidly gaining even more prestige and improving academically, this school offers an endless amount of life-invigorating experiences. In my opinion, USC is especially unique and strong in the way the Trojan family always stays strong in spirit and support, allowing for valuable connections post-graduation.

Trojan from Dallas, TX

The campus itself is pretty safe. We have a bunch of patrol and on campus security. We even have 24/7 security in our dorms. As long as your aware of the surrounding community, you'll be fine.

Greek Life

Greek Life if big at USC! I haven't pledged yet, but am possibly planning on doing it in the future. By no means do you have to do it, but your just a little bit more connected to the social scenes on campus.

Clubs and Activities

USC had pretty much every club in the book. With over 200 clubs, you'll always have something to do.

Great for these types of students

It's great for hard working and diligent students who want to succeed in life. If you don't care about what you end up doing or don't have a goal for yourself, USC is not the place for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Before our big game against UCLA we have this even called Conquest. Its where they set up a concert and bring a famous artist - we've even had Katy Perry. They have a bonfire, ferris wheel, and an array of activities. Its probably the best part of playing UCLA!

Bang for the buck

I think USC is worth every penny. Even though it's crazy expensive, I love every day. You get the best professors, school pride, and great academics all rapped up in one. You also get great connections like no other school. Trojans are always willing to help out Trojans.

What to do for fun

I like to hang out with my suite mates. Sometimes we go to LA Live because it's so close (only 10-15min away). There aren't many shopping areas close buy, so we also catch the train that runs through campus and head out to places like Hollywood.

Food and Dining

The food is okay. Seeing that I'm from Texas, I'm used to southern cooking. It's not as good, but it's still okay. It will get you through your first year of college.

Dorm Life

I love everyone I live with. I think USC does a great job at making sure you feel at home. The majority of the students are friendly and welcoming, so it wasn't hard to get acclimated.

Academic Rigor

Classes are pretty fast paced. It's basically like taking all APs or all IBs. But, if you have taken such courses during your high school years, you'll be fine.

Tips for prospective students

Stay involved in extracurriculars because they are just as important as your grades. Try to be president or vice president of something. Try to keep you gpa above a 3.6 (on 4.0 scale). Also make sure your involved in something over the summers because they look at that too.

In three sentences

USC is always moving forward. No matter what the task may be (in academics, athletics, or even professors), USC is always striving to be the best. It's more than a school; it's a family.

Jen from San Jose, CA

Though we're in a bad area, there is security everywhere 24/7. And the area really isn't as bad as everyone says it is. Yes there's a lot of homeless people, but they're harmless.

Greek Life

Greek Life at USC is the biggest on the West Coast.It is where most of the partying at USC is done. It's not all about the parties though. It really creates strong friendships,encourages ambition and handwork, and makes the large campus seem much smaller. Joining was my best decision!

Clubs and Activities

There is literally a club for any type of interest. Students at USC are known for being very involved, so the majority of the student body is in a club or organization, and it is easy to meet other people who share you interests.

Great for these types of students

All types! USC has a place for any type of person. Greek Life for the preppy kids, arts schools for the hipsters, science and engineering for the nerds , and amazing athletics for the jocks. USC excels in everything and attracts the best of the best.

Bang for the buck

USC is expensive, but it is worth it. The Trojan Family is a real thing. The amount internship and job opportunities presented to students by the alumni are unlike is other college. The education here is one of the best you could get. And you'll no doubt have a fun time.

What to do for fun

Football games, parties, beach days, and venturing into the city. USC is one of the most fun places in the country, I swear. The greek community has parties every week, and if that's not your scene the whole city of Los Angeles is at your feet.

Food and Dining

The food is not terrible, but it's not necessarily good either. there are a lot of choices, but it all gets redundant after a while

Dorm Life

The dorms are not very nice, but they do have a great sense of community and you will without a doubt create friendships with people in your building.

Academic Rigor

The rigor depends on your major and the classes you elect to take, but in general, USC has difficult classes with a lot of work. It's not one of the best universities for nothing.

Tips for prospective students

USC is rare amongst universities in that it really cares about the whole package of a person, and not just their grades. But regardless, grades are the main thing that they look at. The harder you work in high school, the more opportunity you have for a rewarding college experience.

In three sentences

USC is such a great community. Everyone is extremely hardworking and ambitious, fostering an encouraging learning environment. On top of that, USC has a wonderful social scene- there is always something fun going on.

Anonymous

12/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Not the safest. Be wary off campus, travel with friends, though that may not even be enough, unfortunately. And don't do anything stupid. Shooting deaths are still outliers, but they happen more frequently. Also, you see helicopters over the region all the time and you always hear sirens it's almost comical. The school is adjacent to a fire station, though. http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=8616638 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/04/usc-shooting-fraternity-row.html http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/11/shooting-at-usc-halloween-party-leaves-several-wounded.html

Greek Life

Most significant greek life of any prestigious college if you consider USC to be one. That is all.

Clubs and Activities

A club for every type of person, I wish I could say. But that's a general statement that's probably not true. However there are over 200 clubs, and a possibly true joke is you can find free food on campus thanks to a club or activity on any given day. As one that's academically inclined I was pretty surprised to see the lack of a Quiz Bowl team. There aren't very many clubs of the same sort either (I mean work-inclined such as the race-car design team, the rocket design club, programming club, and so on. But, all the clubs I just mentioned exist)

Great for these types of students

Great for work hard play hard, not for workaholics because there's not really a tangible benefit from being a workaholic here, and not many others to speak of.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

It's best to find out yourself.

Bang for the buck

If you did well on PSAT, this might be the best deal you can get. If you didn't end up getting a scholarship, USC is still a good deal. USC connections are huge, USC boasts an extremely wide alumni network, rising quickly in donations which just means that the alumni are more successful. Bang for buck seriously depends on major, I feel. Some areas of study have much better faculty than others - math and physics seem to not have fantastic professors, at least at the lower levels, but it doesn't get significantly better at the higher levels. Class sizes aren't necessarily small, as a sophomore I've yet to have a lecture with less than 40~50 people in it. For the academically hungry however you will feel a sense that the others are somewhat lacking in the same drive you have. Ultimately I have to give USC an average rating.

What to do for fun

I'm not one to get plastered every week but that does happen very frequently at USC, as I mentioned it has a heavy Greek presence but that's slowly changing. You can do whatever you want for fun, there's a huge amount of clubs and it's pretty easy to make your own club if you don't find any of the hundreds to your liking, rec sports are fun, USC football exists (I say exists, instead of is a great watch this year...) and it IS Los Angeles so if you have an idea, head over to Google and you can probably find your thing on or off campus.

Food and Dining

USC has stepped up its meal plan buffet-cafes, of which there are 3 now: Cafe 84, EVK, and Parkside. They're all about the same quality but have different features, with admittedly average-tier food for an absurd price if you do the calculations. The required freshman meal plan is standard-college-really-expensive which comes out to be around 15 dollars every meal if you eat every single meal every day within these 3 places, and trust me you live in LA, you will likely not be doing that. The metro rail has opened up this year, so you can actually get around LA fine especially in groups (though it can get a bit sketchy, and metro rail closes, so you must make sure you get back in time and stuff). Near campus foods: there is plenty of fast food, some average~below average sit down places, nothing spectacular. For the LA food experience you have to go downtown, obviously.

Dorm Life

Average. Even the scholarship winner dorm isn't fantastic - some dorms are sad compared to others, so there is a monumental disparity between dorms. Avoid Marks and Trojan, shoot for Fluor, Webb Tower. Sophomores guaranteed housing but they're off-campus, so a bike is recommended not needed if you get lucky with the housing lottery. Juniors and seniors aren't guaranteed anything so the Dorm Life rating surely goes down. In my opinion off campus housing isn't really great, or is really expensive specifically to the south of USC. Expected more from a top30 school, I guess.

Academic Rigor

Frankly I was pretty disappointed - I'm in an engineering major and expected students to have the same level of academic curiosity as I did but it's just not there. Teaching quality is about average, ratemyprofessor ratings agree but that means add a few points to the school rating since there's a bias for people who rate there to dislike their teacher. In terms of rigor, teachers recognize engineering classes may be hard, the curves are fairly nice for all classes that aren't pre-med, so biology majors lose out on that regard. No words for business. Computer science is bothersome with the first several classes requiring a 95 for an A, no curves - so good luck in that. You'll find that beating the curve is the way to go in college here.

Tips for prospective students

If you're top of the class you want to shoot to get an on-campus interview, they'll fly you out and you could get a scholarship and all the scholarship winners stay in their own dorm. If you don't feel you have the specs for that, shoot for national merit finalist (score well on PSAT) - finalists get instant half off on tuition which is why this is an appealing alternative school for students who did well on that. At USC it's really easy to get relaxed, students are pretty easy-going but it's a big school so you should find your niches as soon as possible and expand your network. Soft skills greatly emphasized in USC, career center is fantastic with support, lots of opportunities.

In three sentences

I think it's the only top school that has a prominent Greek life; that may be good or bad for you. You can get along just fine without it; education-wise, don't expect small class sizes until you're a junior or so, mainstream classes are pretty large but discussion sections make up for that and may be from 10 to 15 students in size. There's a lot to do around USC but a car is very beneficial to explore LA safely (the operative word: safety).

mwax

COUSC is great! I'm in the actual opera class/ensemble, but a bunch of my friends are in it and they love it!

Food and Dining

Eating here is expensive unless you have a meal plan, but the food you can get is really good. Also, everything except for Panda Express and Starbucks closes early if you're on campus late a lot (which I am), but there are quite a few options right off campus that don't close as early.

Dorm Life

I can't comment as I'm a commuter

Academic Rigor

It's hard, but as long as you're driven, you will do well.

In three sentences

Great place for a great education. Music School is awesome. Ambition and Drive is a must.

Female from Sac

We didn't make it on the list of unsafe campus and *cough* UCLA did. Plus if you're smart you're good, don't be dumb! Best advice I can give.

Greek Life

LEGIT!!! The frats are awesome, girls can get into any party. A little more difficult for guys unless you're in that frat or have friends in that frat. But it's so fun

Clubs and Activities

A TON of options. Something for anyone! Even quidditch

Great for these types of students

Students that want to have fun but learn at the same time

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The week of the UCLA game a group of guys camp out 24/7 at the Tommy Trojan statue.

Bang for the buck

IDK what this means lol

What to do for fun

The row (parties). PLUS it's LA and and LA live is literally like a 10 minute bus ride. And DisneyLand is kinda close too

Food and Dining

Dining halls are okay, but there are several restaurants within walking distance!

Dorm Life

Easy to meet people, showers get grody (all girls everywhere), I have a bf so I'm not in my room too much. But I think it's average.

Academic Rigor

I'm a chemical engineering major, which happens to be one of the hardest majors there is. It's definitely tough, but totally manageable at the same time.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be lazy! Don't be dumb! Start essays early!

In three sentences

USC is an awesome place for people that want to get both a good education and meet cool people. Classes I'm taking are really difficult (I'm an engineering student) but there are a ton of resources to help. And the weather is pretty sweet too.

trojan4lyf3

01/08/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

SInce USC is in such a dangerous area in south central Los Angeles, the campus safety is prepared for anything. There are blue lights that a student can push on campus if they ever feel unsafe. Department of Public Safety is always available for assistance. They even patrol a 2 mile radius around the campus.

Greek Life

The Greek Life is very well known and many students are involved in it. It offers a group of people to spend time with. Also, it is a good way to make connections for future jobs or internships. While it is a great way to have fun and meet new people, it is not the only way.

Clubs and Activities

The amount of clubs is endless. No matter what your interests are, you can find something to get involved in. There are religious clubs, athletic, dance, etc. Also, RA's for both dorms and apartments organize activities to meet and spend time with the people living together.

Great for these types of students

This university is great for students who are motivated and willing to work hard for what they want. There is a lot of time for a social life as well, but only when academic and athletic responsibilities are taken care of. USC is known for its high performance athletes, so it is a great school for students interested in competing at a higher level, with hopes of taking it even further.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Before every football game, which is a big deal, everyone kicks the flag pole on their way over to the Coliseum for good luck.

Bang for the buck

While the tuition is very expensive, a degree from USC will take you where you want to go. It is easy to make connections because there is such a huge amount of alumni everywhere. The classes and professors not only teach you the information you need to know from the books, but they prepare you for life.

What to do for fun

Since USC is in the heart of Los Angeles, you can do just about anything. Right across from the campus is University village that has many places to eat as well as a movie theater. A little farther is LA Live that has many shops and ice skating. There is easy access to the metro that can take you wherever you want to go and its very cheap.

Food and Dining

The food is not the best, but it is good enough to eat everyday. There is usually a variety, but very picky eaters prefer to just make their own food. There are healthy options available as well as gluten free.

Dorm Life

The dorms are pretty old and need to be remodeled badly. Besides their condition, it is still a great environment to live in with all the students living together in one hall.

Academic Rigor

The classes are very challenging, especially when they become more focused such as upper level classes. While they are difficult, they are not impossible. All it takes is some dedication to studying and staying on track the entire semester. The professors and teacher aids are all there to help as well.

Tips for prospective students

They do care about high GPA's and test scores, along with the level of classes. However, that is not everything. They are looking for well-rounded individuals that will add to the diversity present on the campus. Prospective students must be intelligent inside and outside of the classroom.

In three sentences

It is a very prestigious university that offers a huge variety to students. There is something for everyone to get involved in, outside of the classroom. The people who meet are encouraging and motivating, helping you further your education.

Stephen from West Salem, WI

Football Saturdays are really exciting. The opportunities for experiencing the arts from early release films, theatre, concerts etc. are plentiful and affordable if not free.

Food and Dining

Not the best caf food I have ever tried but there are other good options to off-set it.

Dorm Life

I was able to be on an interest floor for my major which was really cool as we had a film competition and met with professionals and professors in film.

Academic Rigor

Come here to learn, be challenged to think outside the box and learn collaboration. If you want to learn in an environment that lets you combine all of your interests without being a professional college student for years and years, this place is for you.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved right away to meet people and pursue your passions. This place will let you find them and develop them both in and out of the classroom.

In three sentences

An excellent university for those who think outside the box. The university encourages combining seemingly unrelated fields of study without penalty of needing extra time to complete your degree.

Mackenzie from Hesperia, CA

01/14/2013

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

Museum, beach,

Academic Rigor

Over all of all h

In three sentences

The area is very diverse and rich in culture. There are a number of classes that have caught my eye and Intend on researching them. The is a great museum next door so there is always something to do when my homework is done.

Cooper from Roswell, GA

01/29/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

While we've had some difficulty in the past, especially with the area we're in, the school works hard in every situation to make sure that students feel safe. They also take a lot of student feedback on the issues of safety. Plus, the officers are all really friendly.

Greek Life

Absolutely fantastic, but not overwhelming. I'm not personally a part of it, but I have plenty of friends who are and say that their frat brothers and sorority sisters truly are like family.

Clubs and Activities

There are hundreds of clubs for things you have and haven't heard of- and they're all willing to let you in. I suggest taking a look at either of our Quidditch clubs or getting involved in the political climate somehow.

Great for these types of students

Sociable (generally) and with a wide academic range or interests

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Everyone kicks the lampposts before going to the football games- and *everybody* goes to the football games. They're rather exciting.

Bang for the buck

The school is expensive, for sure- but again, worth it. The school absolutely takes care of its own, as long as you can pay. But remember- financial aid is key, and the school offers some fantastic scholarships.

What to do for fun

LA Live is the best option- it's essentially downtown Los Angeles, right down the street. It's easy to take the train, visit some restaurants and the movie theater, and bowl where the stars bowl. Plus, the SAG Awards and the Grammys are both held there!

Food and Dining

When students feel the quality of the food isn't great, the dining staff works to improve. It's incredible to see how the school actually reacts to feedback.

Dorm Life

It widely varies, depending on where you go (Parkside is quiet, while New/North is rough and rowdy), but there's really a place for everyone.

Academic Rigor

The classes are difficult, but absolutely rewarding. The teachers are sure to provide you with valuable information in your career, no matter what major you are.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared for a lot of reading and writing in your intro classes- they use it to weed out the kids who are really dedicated to getting that degree.

In three sentences

The school is one of the most incredibly rewarding places I've been to. I've never experienced anything like college, and California (coming from the South) absolutely feels like my true home. The school itself definitely provides for its students.

Joseph from Los Angeles, CA

02/20/2013

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

There have been certain issues goign on in the university due to people choosing to make other peoples lives difficult in hurting others or so forth. But recently, the school has done everything in their power to assure the safety of the school and now you never have to worry about getting hurt or being put in danger by coming tot he school.

What to do for fun

There are many things to do for fun. You are able to enjoy the physical activities of the university gyms or fields where you can do just about any for m of exercise. But if you are those kind of people who enjoy to relax and just socially hang with fiends, then you could go to the University Village where you could eat, hang out, or just enjoy a good movie at the theatres. I personally enjoy going to the University basketball courts just to shoot the ball around and work on skills just like you can do with any other sport. Even if you enjoy to go on computers, where you could go to the libraries or just use the School wifi to enjoy any game you wanna play. USC has an infinite amount of exciting things to do.

Food and Dining

There are two specific dining areas to eat at USC which both are amazing. You have Park side dining and EBK ( Every body's Kitchen) that have the most splendid of food. All their food is quick and easy to get but also diverse and have something new to try everyday. The beauty of USC is that their diverse environment means diverse food as well!

Dorm Life

I have many opportunities in living in the dorms where i have slept in Birnkrant and Flour Tower where the dorms are just simply amazing. They are specifically made to ensure that you have the proper environment for studying and focusing but also to relax and enjoy yourself at USC.

Academic Rigor

From the classes i took, i was already stressed out by the first week and already had the urge to drop out the class. Though i continued knowing that a person of my ethnicity; Latino; has to break the statistics of not being able to achieve or continue on with an academic goal. Just know that to complete or pass any class is to manage your time and never allow yourself to put any assignment for that last minute before its due!

Tips for prospective students

I am not a student at USC but i have been attending the university for the past 4 years due to a program thats allowing me to take classes their. I know how hard each class can be and how many our hours you need to strain trying to complete a course but with enough strive and determination, any single person can attend the school no matter what ethnicity or financial background you have. Anything is achievable!

In three sentences

The University of Southern California has always been my number one university choice due to its amazing diversity and many opportunities provided by the school. I feel not many school can offer the best opportunities like USC.

Frankie from Little Rock, AR

I would advise them to research the tuition for your program and attend all webinars offered.

In three sentences

Attending the University of Southern California via the VAC is awesome. I believe it is allowing me the experience of a very diverse learning opportunity. The curriculum provided is challenging and very beneficial to being productive in my field of studies.

Ryan from Canyon Country, CA

02/26/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USC campus is in South Central LA. Not the best neighborhood, but the campus and immediate area surrounding campus feel very safe. USC has their own Campus Police and they seem to do a very good job keeping things safe. The campus is locked at night so only students, faculty, and registered guests can enter.

Greek Life

Amazing! So many different kind of Frats and Sororities to choose from. They put on may events and participate in a lot of community service.

Clubs and Activities

There is something for everyone! From greek life to improv troops you will find many things to get involved.

Great for these types of students

Willing to work hard Want to be a part of the Trojan family

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Fountain Run. For seniors to signify finals are over!!

Bang for the buck

USC is very expensive but I believe it is an investment in my future. The academic programs are phenomenal, great facilities, amazing networking, beautiful weather, wonderful people,and great Trojan spirit!!

What to do for fun

On campus there is always something to do....a sporting event, concert, theatrical performance, club sponsored events, parties etc... USC is in Los Angeles so there are so many things to do and see. Professional sports, music, museums, shopping, beach, restaurants, and on and on!

Food and Dining

On campus food is really good. There are 5 dining halls and many other options, like fast food, fine dining and coffee houses also on campus. USC is in LA so there are LOTS of amazing places to eat!!

Dorm Life

I live in an off campus university owned apartment and I love it! It is clean, well maintained, air conditioning, secure parking, service center, and security gate.

Academic Rigor

High!!!! Be prepared to work!!

Tips for prospective students

Take a rigorous high school work load Make contact with USC early in high school Participate in activities in and out of school

Jess

03/03/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Considering the area, I think USC has done a wonderful job keeping its students safe. The Department of Public Safety is always patrolling the campus making me feel very secure. Every dorm features finger scanners that you must clear before entering the building. Also, if you wish to get on campus after 6pm you are required to have a USC ID.

Greek Life

Greek life is a relatively big part of the social life at USC. Personally, I am not in the greek system. You don't need to be greek to have a social life, however fraternities and sororities sure know how to have fun.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and activities offered at this school. If there isn't a club with your precise interest, you can make one in the blink of an eye.

Great for these types of students

Students who love social interaction, a classic college-campus environment, and those who really want to get involved with their school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I love how on football game days, the entire campus is filled with students and alumni tailgates. You can really feel the school spirit!

Bang for the buck

My only complaint is that the university requires its students to take 6 general education courses. While I value these courses, if they are required, I feel that they should be priced less than the courses that actually contribute to our majors.

What to do for fun

I really enjoy visiting friends at other dorms, or hitting up the shows at Ground Zero, the little jazz/coffee club on campus.

Food and Dining

This school offers such a huge range of food. Dining halls, restaurants, fast food, you name it, USC's got it.

Dorm Life

USC provides the best dorm life a college freshman could ask for. I love my RA's to death and I really feel like I can call my dorm home.

Academic Rigor

My coursework is difficult to an extent. Mostly I struggle with completing everything on time and resisting procrastination.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure your have more to offer colleges more to look at than just an impressive course load and high GPA; they want to see well-rounded students!

In three sentences

USC is the most idyllic college imaginable. The professors are so dedicated and passionate about their students education. I seriously can't imagine going to school anywhere more beautiful.

Jane from Bayside, NY

03/05/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Since this school is located in downtown LA, it is definitely an area that you shouldn't feel to safe about walking outside of campus alone. USC has a very strong Department of Public Safety patrolling campus day and night, though still use common sense and street smarts when you are around or outside of campus, and inside campus late at night.

What to do for fun

Downtown LA is not too far at all from campus. Here there's shopping, movies, Staples Center, the city, and much more. If you don't have a car and plan on taking public transportation, it's always best to travel with friends.

Food and Dining

The dining hall food is definitely above average compared to many other schools. The time it would take for you to get tired of it would depend on your palette. Either way, if you want a change there are various choices of chain restaurants/cafes in the Campus Center including pizza and Chinese food.

Dorm Life

There are different types of dorms here. I personally live in an apartment style dorm with 3 other people so it's the closest thing to a regular home. It has a kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. It's quite peaceful, though there isn't too much interaction between neighbors. The other types of dorms, however, have communal bathrooms and no kitchens. These dorms interact with neighbors much more.

Academic Rigor

The amount of academic rigor would definitely depend on your major, but that doesn't mean you can't challenge yourself with electives, double majors, or minors. There are many choices for such things that are available.

Tips for prospective students

There are many opportunities here so make the most of it! Take the classes that you want and don't leave empty credit spaces when you can learn something that you never thought you would. Also take advantage of the professors and TA's for studying better and advice for your future and career.

In three sentences

The University of Southern California is quite a large school with many different majors and opportunities. It has many different connections to help students find stepping stones after studies

Current USC Student

05/06/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Recently USC has increased its safety and as of now it is closed to the public at night and is gated off with security guards who check student ID's. There are also guards who patrol off campus to make sure the streets are safe and DPS officers also ride around in their segways and cars to respond to any incidents. I feel really safe around USC but I wouldn't recommend traveling alone often.

Greek Life

Greek life at USC is basically what you'd picture it to be like in tv shows or the movies. You meet a ton of great people and the process may seem intimidating but for those who are in it, it's worth it. I'm not in the greek system but I've heard great things about it and I would recommend rushing to see if it's right for you.

Clubs and Activities

USC has a ton of clubs that they offer every year. Check out the club fair during the first couple weeks of school.

Great for these types of students

Social, athletic, smart, friendly, outgoing, philanthropic

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

During football season theres a week called conquest where it's the week before the UCLA game. Trojan Knights protect the Tommy Trojan statue by duct-taping it and guarding it 24/7 to make sure Bruins don't pull any pranks. Also, during the last week of school in May, seniors usually run around campus on a certain night and do the fountain run. They put on any ridiculous looking pool gear they can find and run around campus and jump into the fountains. It's a silly tradition and lately USC has been blocking of the fountains from being used but the seniors always find a way.

Bang for the buck

You're paying a lot for tuition but you're paying for the experience and also the business connections and degree once you're out of college.

What to do for fun

In the fall semester there are football games practically every weekend and I would highly recommend going to those. Downtown is also 10 minutes away and has everything from movie theaters and restaurants to the Staples Center. Another fun thing to do is explore LA. Using a USC rental car service, its easy to travel around the city to visit major shopping sites like The Grove, The Beverly Center, Century City, and Third Street Promenade. And of course beaches such as Santa Monica, Malibu and El Segundo are as little as 20-30 minutes away.

Food and Dining

USC just remodeled all of their dining halls and they are amazing. The food quality is so much better than it used to be and there are more healthy options too.

Dorm Life

Dorms aren't bad. Every year the most popular dorm buildings change but I would recommend Pardee or New/North if you like being social and Fluer or Parkside if you like a quieter atmosphere. If you're going to be a freshman, I would highly consider living in the dorms. It's your first opportunity to live on your own, enjoy it!

Academic Rigor

USC is academically challenging. It has been climbing college charts and competing against schools like UCLA and Stanford for years but depending on your major, it may be comparable or even better. I would say some majors have an easier load than others but most GE's are challenging.

Tips for prospective students

If you're thinking about applying to USC or if you've gotten in and are seriously considering it, I would highly consider it because of how diverse and connected the alumni system is. The Trojan Family is not a myth, you feel it the second you're admitted and USC continually reminds you that you are always a part of its community. Make sure to visit the campus and get a feel of what it would be like to go to school there. For high schoolers and those looking to go to USC I would recommend taking as many SAT's as possible until you're satisfied with your score. While you're in high school also take the Honors and AP classes, they're worth it. USC loves students who are both smart and stand out amongst the other applicants. Whether this means volunteering, being an entrepreneur, excelling in academics or athletics or simply having an amazing art portfolio, you need something about you that makes you different and passionate.

In three sentences

USC was my dream school and it has pretty much lived up to my expectations. It has everything from great classes and professors to exciting sports teams and extracurriculars. Whether or not you're from California, you'll also love its location and of course the weather.

Carina from Battle Creek, MI

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

If you are currently teaching and need to get your master's for state certification, this is the best program out there for us.

Bang for the buck

I'm not going to lie: USC Rossier is one of the most expensive online education programs out there. Still, they provide far more services and work with students far more than any other program I looked into. You really do get what you pay for in this case.

What to do for fun

USC Rossier has a platform just for the Rossier Online students to help us develop online social groups, online portfolios, and more. We even get discounts for being USC students and can go to USC events if we want. They do their best to make it as much like the usual graduate school experience as possible.

Food and Dining

Since this is an online program, food and dining are up to the student.

Dorm Life

Since this is an entirely online program, dorms aren't a part of the picture.

Academic Rigor

USC Rossier is #17 in US News and World Report's ranking of graduate education colleges, and they are the only one in the top 20 with a fully online component.

Tips for prospective students

First of all, get to know your admissions counselor really well. Ask a million questions, make sure the e-mails don't go to your junk folder, and follow USC Rossier on Twitter to get a better feel for whether the program is right for you. If you aren't sure about an online program, take one of the many surveys and self-tests available online to assess your ability and readiness for this kind of a program.

In three sentences

USC Rossier Online is the best online education program out there. They are the only top-tier graduate school in education with a fully online component, and they work hard to make it just like going to school on campus. Better still, their program is teacher-centered, focused on helping solve the problems we encounter in the classroom, and aimed at creating teachers able to teach students of all backgrounds in diverse environments in the 21st century.

Alexis from Palmdale, CA

06/07/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are always people on campus, Campus Cruiser is a great way to get home safe, there are shuttles that pick up as well and DPS (though they definitely have their faults), are always around and will drive you home if need be. Yeah, LA can be scary, but be smart about it, stick with friends, don't be out at 3am, and you'll be fine.

Greek Life

I myself am not a member of the Greek community, but we have a really diverse range.

Clubs and Activities

Honors societies, human rights movements, religion and spirituality, special interests, improv and theatre, quidditch; I promise you, there is a club on campus for everyone and the best way to find them is to walk down Trousdale over by Bovard Auditorium. Clubs and organizations are always out there meeting new people.

Great for these types of students

Into art and milkshakes? Great! Ground Zero off of Child's Way and Figueroa is the perfect spot to hang out, grab a milkshake, study and listen to some music. Every weeknight they have a different event going on. Monday night is open mic night, bands perform, and if you're into improv, the troupe Second Nature often performs.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Friday afternoons at 1pm by Tommy Trojan: USC's oldest improv troupe Commedus Interuptus performs every single week. There's no better way to end the week than with a good laugh.

Bang for the buck

Got 5 bucks? You can buy a metro day pass and take the Metro buses and trains to get to the LA Grove, the Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood and several other hot spots for super cheap. Plus, the National History Museum is across the street from campus. Typically, we can get in for free (this is true for most museums in LA). If you just wanna relax, the Rose Garden at Expo Park is beautiful and the perfect place for studying or catching up with your favorite book.

What to do for fun

You're in Los Angeles! Get out into the city. Seriously. There are tons of great theatres, LA Live is down the street, Disneyland is a short drive away, there are plenty of museums, night clubs, concert venues and shopping centers. Plus, the beach is so close!

Food and Dining

We have a pretty large selection of food (on and off campus), but it can be pretty pricey, so make a budget and try to stick to it.

Dorm Life

I transferred, so I missed out on this, but from the stories that I've heard, dorm life is pretty sweet. (Go for Parkside).

Academic Rigor

I transferred to USC and personally, I think my little 2 year junior college was more academically rigorous, but it does vary based on personal experience. Going to office hours, hanging out with my TAs, and group study sessions have gotten me through.

Tips for prospective students

Get out into the community! Join as many clubs as possible, don't be afraid to take a class or workshop that pushes you outside of your comfort zone. Go to your TAs' and professors' office hours! Not only will they help you with course work, but they'll become your colleges and your friends.

In three sentences

USC has become my second home; despite the personal setbacks that I have faced while attending USC, my Trojan family has stood by me 100% and I would not be who I am today if I attended any other college. My peers and faculty have all been amazing to work with and have helped me grow tremendously.

Isha from Fremont, CA

The area around campus isn't great, but the university has done a great job deploying officers and using LAPD to heavily patrol the area without getting in the way of students.

Greek Life

A great part of the social life. Not for everyone, and if it's not your scene you can avoid it. Feels like a big part of life freshman year, but not once you leave dorms.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and things to get involved in on campus. Everything from Greek Life to student government to intramural sports to academic clubs.

Great for these types of students

Social but ambitious, outgoing and happy, likes to meet new people.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Tailgates for football games, fountain run for seniors, rivalry week with UCLA, LA Times Festival of Books, Fall and Spring concerts, etc.

Bang for the buck

Honestly, all private colleges are expensive. But the experience at USC is unlike anything else.

What to do for fun

Head to the row for frat parties, go to on-campus events by different clubs and organizations, meet up with friends at Bacaro or La Barca for dinner and drinks, go to LA Live or Santa Monica for shopping.

Food and Dining

Dining halls honestly aren't that great, but you can usually find something that you like. Worst case, there's always a salad bar, cereal, pizza, and ice cream. The cafes on campus are pretty nice too.

Dorm Life

There's a wide variety of dorms that cater to different types of people. They range from very social to completely antisocial. Most dorms are pretty big and pretty nice.

Academic Rigor

Different majors have different difficulty levels. Either way, it's an academically esteemed institutions and you will have to work hard.

Tips for prospective students

Look for opportunities- there's ways for almost any activity you do to get funded.

In three sentences

USC does a great job of offering/creating opportunities for its students. There's a great balance between academic prowess and and a bustling social life. I haven't met a single student who is unhappy with their life at USC.

Anonymous

06/11/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Tips for prospective students

GET INVOLVED ASAP! USC has tons of clubs, programs, activities, and societies to get involved in, and after four years, these extracurricular experiences will be your most important and memorable experiences in college.

EKIM

06/24/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Although the campus is located in a ghetto part of Los Angeles, the Department of Public Safety does its best to keep its students safe at all times. In addition, after hour Campus Cruiser lets you take a free car ride to your desired location at night.

Greek Life

With their very own Greek Row, USC's Greek life grows with great dedication.

Clubs and Activities

Ranging from intramural sports and even boxing clubs to numerous ethnicity groups, USC has it all.

Great for these types of students

USC is great for those students who really want to do something in their lives and aspire.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

An unusual tradition that caught me off guard was the Senior Fountain Run where Seniors run from pool to pool in their swimming gear.

Bang for the buck

As a fellow skateboarder, I enjoy cruising around campus at night and checking out all the spots where you can relax. By the way, USC is filled with numerous secret spots; you just have to look for them.

What to do for fun

Since you are in the Los Angeles area, the various clubs and organizations here allow you to have one of the best times in your life.

Food and Dining

With three primary dining halls and numerous restaurants, USC is the place to eat.

Dorm Life

My freshman year allowed me to meet unforgettable people that I know will be in my life in the future.

Academic Rigor

The quality of the education here leaves you applying the knowledge to your daily life activities. It brings you to envision the world in a new unique manner.

Tips for prospective students

For those of you who are interested in this University, remember that the Trojan Network is an admirable connection that will bring you closer to your goals, true friends and future.

In three sentences

USC provides numerous and outstanding opportunities to reach your future goals. The campus is inundated with libraries, research faculties and other resources. As a current Trojan, I have an aspiring amount of dedication and motivation to Fight On! with my life.

Victoria from Brea, CA

06/25/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

campus safety has really gotten better as I have been coming to USC. While some of the DPS officers are not the nicest people, over all many of them are and they are dedicated to maintaining the safety of all people on campus. The new fences around campus are annoying but make sure that the campus is safer at night

Great for these types of students

Hardworking, sports lovers, positive people

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The senior fountain run is an unusual tradition. We also have a bar on campus called Traditions.

Bang for the buck

While USC is a really expensive school, it is well worth what you pay for if you put in the dedication to get all you can out of it.

What to do for fun

Joining clubs and groups can be a really good experience. There are also 4 different improve groups on campus that do weekly shows that are always worth the watch. USC is also next to the Natural History Museum and the CA Science Center and can get into both for free with an ID

Food and Dining

Residence halls were acceptable but got old quickly freshman year. Other dining on campus is fine but also can get boring if you eat there a lot. The hours are also hard because things close early on Fridays and are rarely accessible during the summer. Eating late is not an on campus activity.

Dorm Life

I lived in the dorms my freshman year and then in university owned apartments the next year before moving off campus. Parkside was a great dorm and was filled with activities and good food and chances to meet people. I loved it. University apartments have the same number of activities but people are less involved and the chances of you seeing your peers are much less likely unless planned. More separated.

Academic Rigor

You can get by some classes with doing minimal work but it is never in your best interest. The GE selections can be really eyeopening if you give them the chance. Major classes will ask a lot of you to ensure that you are not just sliding through.

Tips for prospective students

Go the extra mile, teachers will not had things to you and will be more inclined to help you out if you show them that you are an active participant in your education. Find activities that you enjoy and get really involved in them, it will make the campus experiences more personalized and the time go by more enjoyably. Study hard, party less; make sure to prioritize your work and fun because hangovers are not an excuses and the professors do not tolerate lateness or absences for the most part.

In three sentences

A good school if you put in the extra effort. Very sports focused and enthusiastic. Has a wide variety of opportunities to explore and take part in if you search for them and are dedicated to putting in the time required.

Dorm life is pretty great as well; the way that the dorms are set up is pretty great.

Academic Rigor

It's not the hardest, but it's definitely not the easiest.

Tips for prospective students

The USC campus is breathtakingly beautiful. You'll definitely find a place for yourself to fit in here!

In three sentences

University of Southern California is a school where I can fulfill my dreams. I'm able to access groups, organizations, and alumni to do what I want to do. The people here are all so wonderful and kind.

Undergrad Student from Rhode Island

DPS is everywhere. Regardless of the reputation, students know where to not go off campus, and are fine. If you're accepted to USC, you should have the common sense to know.

Greek Life

It can be a big part of your experience, or nothing at all. You're choice, but it could make or break your time at USC.

Clubs and Activities

Get involved. There are so many things to become a part of. Always go to the involvement fair regardless of how long you've been at USC

Great for these types of students

Work hard, play hard students

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Gameday is the best day.

Bang for the buck

Everything is expensive, but you can find deals sometimes-- just the lifestyle of LA, not USC particularly.

What to do for fun

Explore LA as much as possible. Ask your professors, advisors, and peers for recommendations based on your interests

Food and Dining

Not the greatest. Had some bad experiences and chose to avoid them as much as I could. Thankfully the meal plan is only needed freshman year.

Dorm Life

Research the dorms and which ones would fit your needs. All are good, but different in experience. Try to live on campus as best as possible.

Academic Rigor

It's challenging, but manageable. Know some things about your professor before you enroll in a class because it can make or break your experience.

Tips for prospective students

You should look into greek life before you get to school to know whether you want to rush. Take GE classes that are not in your intended major but that you have interest in. Definitely go visit the campus if you have not made up you're mind -- you will fall in love immediately.

In three sentences

USC is perfect for a student looking for small, focused, intimate colleges within a larger university. The student body knows when/how to work hard and achieve goals, but also knows how to relieve stress and have fun. Classes are mixed- size as a freshman, but decrease in size as you declare your major.

Maxwell from San Jose, CA

I have never felt unsafe on campus. The campus security can be a little irritating, but they are trying to keep everyone safe, and they do a good job.

Great for these types of students

Smart, studious, and dedicated, as well as looking to have fun in college too!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

If you're going to a football game, don't forget to kick a flagpole on your way to the Coliseum!

Bang for the buck

The teachers are good and care, and the TAs are helpful. Students are a lot of fun, and if you apply for financial aid properly, it shouldn't be too bad. Also, keep in mind that University of Southern California looks good on a resume, and there are lots of alumni who have made it far in their respective fields who will be willing to help you out.

What to do for fun

Find a group of people that share your interests!

Food and Dining

The food in the dining hall is decent, if repetitive. Near-campus dining is good too, and if you go to the right place, cheap. Also, there are a few places open really late, for when you lose track of time.

Dorm Life

It depends on where you live. Be sure to get ahead on it so that you don't end up somewhere you don't want to be!

Academic Rigor

This is a tough school. There are a lot of smart people and tough classes here, but everyone is really friendly and willing to help. The TAs are an enormous help, as are classmates. If you're nervous about academics, you only need to work hard and you'll succeed. You'll still have time for fun too.

Tips for prospective students

Apply for financial aid, and be sure to look for the merit scholarship apply-by deadline, its about a month earlier than the regular application deadline.

In three sentences

There is a thriving social life, and everyone is pretty smart. The athletics are quite good, and there is a lot of student participation. While it isn't in the safest or nicest part of L.A., I have never felt unsafe on campus at any time.

T

07/28/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The school is fenced off at night after 9 when they check for valid ID. Campus security has security personnel placed at student frequented by students around the neighborhood. There have been a few isolated incidents though and the student alert system is very conservative with warnings.

Great for these types of students

Outgoing students since the student body closer-knit than state universities. There are a lot of opportunities to meet new people, from students to alumni.

Bang for the buck

Very expensive but the alumni network is very supportive. Financial aid is mostly need-based but there are presidential scholars, etc

What to do for fun

Join a club! There are clubs for everything, from gaming, sports, nationality to art. If you like to go to museums, there's MOCA and LACMA near downtown, and California Science Center and the Natural History Museum right next to campus. If you're more of a foodie, LA has cuisine from many cultures. There's Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Chinatown and Olvera Street for Hispanic cuisine.

Food and Dining

Cafeterias are passable. If you want more options, downtown LA is open and there are several buses that go from USC to downtown.

Dorm Life

People are generally friendly and keep their doors open. The CSCs organize several events each month that are great for meeting new people. RAs enforce complaints about noise promptly so don't be worried about being kept up because of parties. Be warned that some dorms do not have air conditioning and it can get pretty hot in the summertime.

Academic Rigor

Different majors have different levels of academic rigor. Be prepared to be challenged physically and mentally if you pick something like computer science as you'll be coding into the late hours of the night.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to go out and meet new people. College is a chance to reinvent yourself.

In three sentences

USC has mostly great professors that make time for you when you need help and are very knowledgeable about their fields. The campus is small but beautiful campus and the facilities are well-equipped so everything is within walking distance. The neighborhood around is not as scary as the rumors make it seem and the community is friendly but it never hurts to be on the lookout at night.

Nicole from CA

07/29/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

DPS does a pretty good job, and security tightened extensively my freshman year. However, due to the school's location, crime is pretty common. I can't say comparatively to any other schools, but it seems more rampant here.

Greek Life

USC is pretty renowned for its very active Greek life. I can't say from experience as I don't venture over to the Row, but I know that it's very large and very proud and very active.

Great for these types of students

Social, fun-loving, and (let's face it) wealthy students. There are some who are in the alternative category compared to these (myself included) but everyone seems to love USC.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

USC is known for its many hardened traditions, and they're no secret. I would recommend checking out the view from the parking garage at the USC Radisson.

Bang for the buck

Having the USC title attached to your name will definitely help in the future. There are endless opportunities for internships at top companies and organizations.

What to do for fun

See Dorm Life above.

Food and Dining

Food's crappy, but I don't know what else someone would expect from dining hall cuisine.

Dorm Life

Let's just say USC is known for being...social.

Academic Rigor

Classes within majors are definitely very rigorous and demanding. Professors expect nothing but the absolute best from each individual student, and your best high school paper will merit a C.

Tips for prospective students

Really research the school. Ask around to current students and make sure that whatever program you're going into is right for you. It's a lot of money, and if you won't end up benefitting from having the Trojan label attached to your name, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere.

In three sentences

Despite some social issues at the school, it's a fantastic university with a rich history. You get great opportunities for classes, and a lot of amazing and world-renowned professors teach here. You get what it's worth for your money.

Kevin from Bethel Park, PA

07/30/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USC offers free car rides (Campus Cruiser) and escorts (DPS) for its students if you ever feel unsafe. However, I have always felt safe. There are also text and email alerts, patrols, and guards to protect students, staff, and faculty. As stated, my safety has never been questioned.

Greek Life

Greek life is only about 20% (2012) of the student body here. If you want to join Greek life, there are many options; but if you do not want to join, there are many other ways to get involved.

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of clubs. Visit the Involvement Fair to find out about them.

Great for these types of students

Great for any students. Even though, USC is larger than most universities, you still run into a lot of people you know, which creates this close-knit Trojan family. Join the family, be happy, and have fun.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Traditions or Locations: 1) Football Related: Tailgating happens on campus. Traveler, the horse, rides on the football field during games. Everyone kicks the light-post before going to the Colosseum for good luck. 2) GroundZero offers awesome milkshakes on campus.

What to do for fun

Student Government and Program Board events, along with events for other clubs, are always occurring. There is also many things to do off-campus in the city of Los Angeles.

There are a lot of options for dorms on- and off-campus. Then there are options for housing not provided by USC.

Academic Rigor

This is a great school, so study and do well.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved and study!

In three sentences

University of Southern California is diverse, excellent, and has an abundance of opportunities. I am glad I transferred here from the East Coast. I only wish I knew about USC when I applied for colleges in high school.

Danielle from Levittown, PA

Always an issue as the campus isn't in the best area, but the school does a good job at maintaining safety. Make sure to be responsible and utilize the services the school provides.

Greek Life

Very big!

Clubs and Activities

Lots of options.

Great for these types of students

Smart, driven students who want a well-rounded and social experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Fountain run is the senior tradition where all of the graduating seniors go and swim in every fountain on campus. (There are a lot!)

Bang for the buck

Very pricey education, but quality.

What to do for fun

Don't miss Trojan tailgates and football games!

Food and Dining

REALLY bad food. Also, the food around the campus isn't great, but there are some good places. Lemonade and seeds are convenient and healthy on campus. There's a yogurt land and Soy has good take out sushi by gateway.

Dorm Life

I did not attend here freshman yer, so I did not have the dorm experience, but the dorms seem very social and a great place to meet new people. New north seems the be the favorite. Stay in parkside for a quieter experience.

Academic Rigor

Depends on your major but mine is rather difficult.

Tips for prospective students

Take advantage of all the internships and the help offered by the career center.

In three sentences

Great mix of study, research and social life. Never boring. Offers lots of great opportunities and an extensive alumni network.

Patrick from Los Angeles, CA

you have on campus security as well as local police and sheriffs near by.

Clubs and Activities

Clubs for any and all interest.

Bang for the buck

Be sure to check for online coupons and in the local L.A Times to help with your savings.

What to do for fun

You have Football, Basket Ball, Ice Hockey, Swim meets to see but if you have some money you got the Los Angeles Lakers, KIngs, Dodgers, Clippers to go see. You also have Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World, Griffith Park, Greek Theater, Horse Back Ridding( Sunset Ranch Hollywood ). Or you can go to Hollywood to watch movies and shop if you got the cash.

Food and Dining

You can eat either on or off campus. The food is good either way but alot less expensive on campus.

Dorm Life

Can't help you here cause I live off campus. But the dorms do look very modern and clean.

Academic Rigor

School has a top notch general education that will lead you to your major and even Grad School.

Tips for prospective students

1. Get your financial aid in order( cost as of today to go there is approx $51,000.00). that price is per year and you have 4 to pay for. 2. Get to know who you admissions rep is and follow up with them. 3. Fill out the Common Application on line at http://www.usc.edu. 4. Check your local Elks Club for grants as well as any and all other non-profits form student grants and scholarships( The less of a loan you have to repay the better ). 5. Check the internet for others. 6. Be sure to fill-out the free online FAFSA.( the application is 100% free). 7.Follow-up on your financial aid and be sure to ask the financial aid office what grants they may have. 8. Be sure to get all of your grades in on time so they can get the Cal Grant for you. 9. Be sure to get as many lower level academics out of the way( School is cheaper that way ).

In three sentences

The campus is very big and ultra modern and fun to be on. The new buildings and huge quad area make it not only fun but interesting. The students come from all over the U.S just to be there to study which makes it fun and interesting

Anonymous

10/15/2013

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

175 of 201

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Campus Safety

There is constant security around USC as well as on campus. Each apartment complex has multiple security guards and well as houses on the row. I have always felt safe here as long as I keep close to USC.

Greek Life

Greek life is extremely fun at USC. Although it is not meant for everyone, when you go to USC greek life is a very strong, enthusiastic and welcoming community. Joining greek life is a great way to mingle and have fun.

Clubs and Activities

USC has many clubs that any student can join. Some cost money and some are free. Regardless, when a part of a club or activity, each student receives a great education and great opportunities from them.

Great for these types of students

hard working strongly motivated driven passonate eager

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Game days are huge at USC. Tailgating takes place all over whether it be at houses, apartments, The Row, or on campus, game day is something that Trojans have been keeping alive for years.

Bang for the buck

USC has many connections that make the school worth your money. Not only do you receive a top education from a highly prestigious university, but you also are set with the strongest alumni networking system once graduated. USC is huge on tradition and wants to keep it going. USC's campus is beyond beautiful. It looks like it came out of a magazine- I am not kidding. Everything is polished and you are surrounded by students riding their beach cruisers. With constant fabulous weather, there is no down side to USC and its campus.

What to do for fun

There are many activities to do for fun around USC. As far as the night perspective goes, a large majority of students go to The Row for partying. Apartments are also a good time. There are always concerts going on and nightlife in downtown LA pops off. In the daytime when not at school, students go shopping, to the beach, to the pool or hang out at The Row.

Food and Dining

USC has an awesome student cafe. Getting food at USC is a perfect excuse to socialize with new friends in between classes. Most everyone hangs out by the food court.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is always fun. There may be times were roommates may get sick of each other, but that is life. Make sure to find someone you are compatible with. The rooms are spacious and all Resident Assistants are extremely helpful and welcoming.

Academic Rigor

USC's academics are not the easiest. Each student must put in a lot of work to not only receive a good education, but to also succeed in courses. If students stay on top of their school work, than the academic rigor will be doable.

Tips for prospective students

If you are looking for a work hard play hard environment, this is definitely the place for you. USC has the perfect blend of academics and night life. You just have to make sure you stay focused and have strong work ethic and motivation to complete school work.

In three sentences

University of Southern California is truly a picture perfect campus. From the radiant red brick buildings to the bright and vibrant fountains placed variously around campus, USC provides students with a warm welcome enabling a bright and positive attitude to perspire. Furthermore, this school provides a movie-like Greek Row that is brilliantly fun; not only this, but Los Angeles is a desirable place to live due to the many attributes and various beautiful places it has to offer.

Caroline from Torrance, CA

We are in South Central, no denying it. There's been a lot of robberies in the surrounding area these past few months.

Greek Life

Greek life is a big deal here. About 20% of students are part of it, and there are parties every week on the Row that many people on campus go to.

Clubs and Activities

Tons of clubs and activities. There's over 700 clubs.

Great for these types of students

Any, really. But mostly partiers who are really good at time management and efficient with their homework.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Tommy Trojan is definitely an important location on campus. Probably the most popular meeting place. There's an inverted fountain between Bing and Norris Theater, which face each other, so the people inside can keep an eye on each other. Alumni Park is home to an extremely large population of squirrels and trees from every state in the US.

Bang for the buck

Not quite sure yet. Depends on how much the school offers you in financial aid/scholarships and if the alumni network gets you a job after graduation.

What to do for fun

There's the Row, which is where all the Frat and Sorority houses are, and that's about it if you don't have a car and you want to go somewhere at night. The California Science Center and Natural History Museum is right next to campus though. Downtown has LACMA, MOCA, Disney Concert Hall, and a lot of other places, but you'll need a car if you want to be there in less than half an hour.

Food and Dining

Food here is mediocre and not really worth the price you pay for it. There's variety, but it all ends up tasting the same after a while.

Dorm Life

I'm staying in Marks Tower, which apparently isn't the most social of dorms in general. If you're looking for an active dorm, Birnkrant and New/North are the most social dorms on campus. They are extremely sociable and their doors are always open.

Academic Rigor

It is definitely more difficult here than in high school. I never really studied or worked too hard on schoolwork in high school, but right now I'm doing everything I can and I'm barely scraping by. Those hell weeks in high school where everything is all due at the same time happened once a month at most. Here, you're always going to be freaking out over some assignment (or more likely 2 or 3) due on the same day.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to have some extracurriculars that you stay devoted to on top of good grades and test scores. Try to graduate with some leadership positions under your belt.

In three sentences

The school is fun and diverse. Everyone here is really smart and works really hard. You get to meet a lot of people here.

Daisy from Rosemead, CA

11/11/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There's the game nights, the museums, the volunteering opportunities, college life and events, visits from family members, traveling, reading, exercising, work, and more available. Being in the hub of Los Angeles, USC's location offers many extracurricular activities for its students, alumni, faculties, staff, and other USC-affiliated personnel.

Food and Dining

Food had been delicious. There are discounts around town for USC students, too. I love it. Just need to remember to watch the weight.

Dorm Life

I live off campus, but I feel that life at USC is good. Fight on!

Academic Rigor

It is a prestigious college. It requires hardwork and persistence. For someone who has already already learned and outgrown toward a certain age and seniority, it had been quite difficult to incorporate the growth with the rest of the school.

Tips for prospective students

Study hard and work as a team!

In three sentences

The University of Southern California offers many opportunities nationally and internationally. It has a diverse community. It brings all sorts of individuals from various background together into one big, giant family.

Andrianna from Vienna, VA

Gates are closed between 9-6 and DPS officers stand guard but there is a mugging every month or so. Downtown LA, what do you expect?

Greek Life

Everything. Every movie about Greek life accurately portrays at least one sorority/frat at USC.

Clubs and Activities

Great. Get involved in as much as you can without killing yourself.

Great for these types of students

Smart but lazy. Likes to party.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Kick the pole by the Exposition exit before a football game. Run in every fountain when you're a senior.

Bang for the buck

Too expensive but gives lots of financial aid and scholarships so barely anyone pays full price.

What to do for fun

Fraternity Row. Downtown LA. Football.

Food and Dining

Pretty good for college food. Good variety and not terrible quality but the fruit is inedible.

Dorm Life

If you like to party but aren't rich, live in New/North. However, if you are a light sleeper in New/North, you're screwed. Also, don't live there if you don't plan on rushing a sorority/fraternity.

Academic Rigor

The classes do exactly what they say they are going to do. Some classes are impossible while some you can get an A in without attending.

Tips for prospective students

USC puts a lot of weight on the personal essays and the recommendations. Good scores are always good but don't lose hope if you didn't do amazingly on the SAT/ACT.

In three sentences

USC is a place for driven students to party. It relies on the fact that its students are smart or, at least, rich and well connected instead of cultivating students it sees talent in. It is very generous with its money and it is easy to get a research position if you are interested and intelligent.

Explore LA! Lots of people don't even go off campus, and there is just way too much to do for fun. LA is such a cool city that there is always something going on!

Food and Dining

The food and dining is great! You just might get tired of it sometimes.

Dorm Life

I honestly have the best dorm EVER and have 0 complaints! Living at Parkside may have its downs from a social point of view, but it has hands-down the nicest dorms on campus.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the class, your major, and the amount of credits given. I think it was academically a big change for me, and it was tough getting used to studying after classes and reading alone to prepare for a class. You quickly realize that those kinds of things are necessary in order to succeed.

Tips for prospective students

Besides just excelling academically, put emphasis on something else in your life that you have given up much time and effort for. Not necessarily being involved in 100 things, but having 1 BIG thing that you have stuck to throughout your life.

In three sentences

I entered as a freshman for the Fall 2013 semester. I had the average expectations of new college student, and though I might not have finished the first semester with a perfect 4.0, or 10 new best friends, I cannot fathom having gone anywhere else. I love that even in an academically challenging environment, you still feel the SoCal vibe that makes USC so unique.

ELLIOTT from Algonquin, IL

01/10/2014

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Academic Rigor

The reading is heavy, and the in-class work stresses participation gleaned from the readings as well as challenges to form new ideas/connections to past material. Your grades will come from this participation as well as projects and papers.

Tips for prospective students

This info is for the online distance-learning program -Make sure that you have good phone and internet service in your home and neighborhood, as you'll be Skyping via the university's website but calling into the actual classroom from your phone (as a redundancy system). -The school offers accredited MSW degrees regardless of which state you live in, and they do this by having fairly high and strict field placement hour requirements. For instance, for the first year field placement you are required to attend Monday-Friday during 9-5 hours. If you're young and able to work a different job that might not conflict with this time, you should be OK. However, I am a single parent with a job providing good health insurance, and was not able to reconcile this scheduling issue. You should know this going as several of my fellow classmates were also taken by surprise when we found this out.

In three sentences

I attended their online Masters in Social Work program for a year. This is a great school with dedicated, knowledgeable teachers as well as interesting, insightful fellow students from around the country. However, I felt that the admissions counselors did not educate me on the time investment (especially regarding field placement/internships) I would need to make to attend this school.

Sophie from Los Angeles, CA

I personally don't like clubs, but there are many sports and games going on almost every weekends.

Bang for the buck

There are many opportunities and easy to make all kinds of friends.

What to do for fun

Not fun to stay around the campus to me. If you like drink and parties a lot, it might fun for you. I like the musuems near by the campus, it's free to USC students. You have to have a car to go anywhere easily except the rush hours.

Food and Dining

I don't like the fast food here.

Academic Rigor

I love all classes I took here.

Tips for prospective students

Try to find a safe place to live near by the campus, because the traffic is horrible.

In three sentences

The faculties and students are great. The classes are great. Inside of the campus are great, but outside of the campus are horrible.

Irene Adler

01/26/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Nightlife!! Going to The Row on weekends is usually pretty fun. Or joining an on-campus club, or partaking in school wide (and dorm wide) events are a good way to get to know more Trojans and explore LA.

Food and Dining

Not much diversity in choice either on or immediately around campus. The food itself is usually pretty good, if bland at times

Dorm Life

Living in the dorms means you have a required unlimited swipes meal plan... it's like heaven. Cleaning of bathrooms is done for you, food as many times a day as you want, pretty spacious rooms (if you get the newer dorms... air conditioning also helps).

Academic Rigor

Science and Math are two subjects that are really tough at this school--they're challenging but can overwhelm if you're not prepared. Amazing, funny, knowledgeable professors that're actually really approachable if you're willing to go to their Office Hours

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you can imagine yourself on campus Make sure they offer your major Be prepared to be part of a huge multitude--standing out is important (in a good way)

In three sentences

The campus is absolutely beautiful and fits in so well with the mellow, warm year-round weather that it's set in. There are classes for everyone about basically every subject and topic imaginable, people are sure to find something they're interested in. Diverse student body that adds richness to discussions and friendships

Tammy from Fort Wayne, IN

We have our own campus police system called DPS. The system is unmatched.

Greek Life

There are many sororities and fraternities for you to pick from. If you're interested in Greek Life, you will not be disappointed.

Clubs and Activities

Join Women's Student Assembly, a feminist org devoted to the socioeconomic equality of all sexes. USC offers many different organizations. If you can not find your fit, you can always start your own organization.

Bang for the buck

The Cafe's here are amazing. Go to Lemonade or Seeds.

What to do for fun

There are always things to do in Los Angeles. Go visit museums, go downtown and tour the city, go clubbing in West Hollywood, go visit Universal studios, and/or even go to the beach! There's always something to do here.

Food and Dining

The food at Parkside dining hall is great and the best on campus.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is safe, comfortable, and fun. The buildings are nicely furnished, and comfortable.

Academic Rigor

The courses are difficult, challenging, and worthwhile. I have learned so much in my time here, and I am excited for more.

Tips for prospective students

I advise all prospective students to get in contact with the deans of their respective schools, to visit the campus, and talk to students. You'll fall in love with USC .

In three sentences

USC offers a plethora of courses that engages students in social issues, respective fields, and more. The academics at this university is unparalleled, and the opportunities for USC Trojans is beyond what is expected. Being a part of this academic community is invigorating, motivating, and life-changing.

Tiffany from Thousand Oaks, CA

02/28/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

Four stars because not ALL of the dining halls are bad. There is indeed a spectrum since the dining hall nearest my dorm is probably the worst and you always smell like EVK right after leaving it. The other dining halls are more consistently better.

Dorm Life

I have heard of unsuccessful and successful stories about dorm life and roommates, but personally I am very happy with the dorm I am living in and the roommate I got matched with. My biggest complaint would be noise due to construction and trash pickup outside, but it is definitely a quiet enough area for me to get plenty of work done.

Academic Rigor

This definitely depends on your major, but as an engineer, it is definitely going to be rigorous and challenging, as it should be regardless where ever you go.

In three sentences

USC is a beautiful school with plenty of interesting people to meet and get to know. There is an abundance of opportunities and ways to get involved if you take the initiative to take part. The general education program is probably my least favorite part, but my classes so far have been quite good and my experience has been rather enjoyable so far, even as an engineering major.

Victoria

A lot of security officers around, the campus closes to non-USC students at around 8pm.

Greek Life

Very active, but it doesn't dominate the campus - you can choose not to be a part of it and it won't bother you.

Clubs and Activities

Too many to list here, if you can think of it, it exists.

Great for these types of students

Hard-working, intellectually curious, friendly.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Not really... There's apparently a fountain run at the beginning of the year and Conquest during football season.

Bang for the buck

Pretty good - a lot of individual attention if you need it, writing center, math center, supplemental instruction. Engineering students also get free private tutoring and their own career center (and minorities and women get 100 pages of free printing every month through the center for engineering diversity) You can also apparently get free therapy (something like 12 sessions a year)

What to do for fun

Other than the Greek life - there are routinely pretty cool free performances in the Bovard Auditorium - last week the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet came to campus, and last semester they had Elton John. There are also occasionally free trips to the Disney Concert Hall. You also get discounted prices on plays performed by the dramatic arts students (they're doing Avenue Q soon!) The Staples center is pretty close - you can get there on the metro, and there are the football games if you're into that.

Food and Dining

The dining hall food is meh, but they have a California Pizza Kitchen, Panda Express, and a Habit Burger on campus. There's also a Chipotle, Pizza Studio, Chick-fil-A, Yogurtland, and a bunch of other places to eat off campus

Dorm Life

I commute to school, so I wouldn't know.

Academic Rigor

Pretty rigorous, especially if you're studying engineering.

Tips for prospective students

Look up the stats for the latest admitted freshman class and try your best to beat the average GPA/test scores - USC's getting a little bit more selective every year. Also, get at least one leadership position.

Taylor

04/07/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There is an endless amount of things to do for fun--you're in LA! Whether it be on campus or off-campus, there are multiple and various things to do for fun here--going to parties/social events on The Row, going to a concert or sports game at Staples Center, etc.

Food and Dining

USC provides an array of dining opportunities, from great healthy foods and some good old-fashioned comfort food. The dining halls aren't so good, but the restaurants on campus are great.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is great, people tend to be very social and it is a great way to meet new people and get involved.

Academic Rigor

USC is very academically rigorous, the courses are definitely challenging.

Tips for prospective students

It is very easy to get distracted here because LA (and USC) has so much to offer in terms of social life and extracurricular activities; so remember to stay focused on excelling academically so that you do not start to have an imbalanced social life.

In three sentences

USC is a terrific academic institution that is academically rigorous, a great location in terms of career and social opportunities (LA) and has an amazing networking opportunities. USC is a perfect example of a work hard, play hard environment, which creates a good, balanced life for students. I am confident about receiving an excellent education here and not worried about future career opportunities.

Anything you want. Being in LA, there is never a shortage of activities, including beaches, concerts, and anything else you can find in LA. There are also numerous on campus activities to keep you entertained as well.

Food and Dining

Haven't seen the cafeteria, but I went to Seeds on campus. It's almost $7 for a small sandwich. I got a small piece of salmon for $6, and then payed $2.50 for a small scoop of mashed potatoes, and another $2.50 for literally three pieces of broccoli.

Dorm Life

Haven't lived there myself, but it seems to be one of the most interesting and entertaining colleges to live at, with a great student body.

Academic Rigor

Viterbi's engineering program is one of the best in the state, with a balance between hands on and conceptual learning.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to apply for lots of scholarships and financial aide. It's not cheap.

In three sentences

From what I saw on my visit USC has a great campus, and a strong sense of school spirit. Likely the most beneficial aspect is its alumni association, which is great for picking up a job directly after graduation. I ended up choosing Cal Poly instead because I feel they have a better Aerospace program, but USC has great engineering programs as well.

Love from Hawthorne, CA

04/24/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

0 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

Grab some friends and hang out at the Lab Gastropub, McKay's, or even Tommy's. There's also opportunities to meet celebrities at school events. And don't forget to attend the tailgates and football games.

Food and Dining

On-campus food is expensive, but delicious!

Dorm Life

Pretty decent and comfortable living for freshmen, sophomore, and upper division students.

Academic Rigor

Most of the faculty who teach at USC are world renowned and experts in their field.

Tips for prospective students

Make your stay at USC worthwhile. Connect with other students, join the Greek life or an on-campus organization, and develop mature relationships with professors so you can do well academically. You are a part of the Trojan family so make the best of your college experience at USC.

In three sentences

The University of Southern California is one of the best institutions in the United States. If you're looking for an institution that offers a good quality education, USC is the place for you. From meeting celebrities, to striving for academic excellence, USC will leave a lasting impression.

Evelyn from Watsonville, CA

The dining area looked better than other campuses. The food was also enjoyable.

Dorm Life

You can meet different people since they match you with roommates that have similar interests as you.

Academic Rigor

The work is rigorous, but can be done by receiving help if needed.

In three sentences

I recently visited this school and it is beautiful! It is an extremely diverse campus and it may seem intimidating at first, but it becomes welcoming in the end. I had the opportunity to eat there too, and the food was actually good (not like a homemade meal but still good).

This college is a perfect choice and or consideration if you are considering majoring in film cinematography. I definitely would tell others if i was ever asked college greenlight introduce this college to me i cant wait to apply !!!

Rachel from Los Angeles, CA

12/11/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The Department of Public Safety here is SUPERB. I used to frequently get nervous walking by myself at night, but that all changed when I got here. Both on campus and even a few blocks off, USC has DPS officers making sure that everything is going the way it should.

Make sure to check out Ground Zero, a student run coffee shop and performance lounge on campus. Famous for their sinfully delicious milkshakes, they have a really relaxing atmosphere if you need to study, do homework, or just chat with friends and catch up. Not to mention, they have open mics every Monday night, so you can see all your talented fellow Trojans on stage!

What to do for fun

USC is located right outside of downtown LA - what can't you do? You're only 12 short miles from the beach, and you're even closer to LA live, Hollywood, Universal Studios... you name it, you can find somewhere to do it in Los Angeles.

Food and Dining

The three dining halls on campus are pretty conveniently located, so you're never too far from one no matter where you go on campus. The food is actually really good, despite stereotypes about college dining halls, and it's very vegetarian friendly!

Dorm Life

Each freshman housing building on campus has a distinctly different personality, so to speak, so there's something for everyone! A mini fridge and a microwave is provided for everyone as well, so that's nice. Be sure to apply for housing early, though - it's crucial if you want to be assigned to your top choice.

Academic Rigor

Even if you were the top of your class in high school (and if you're here, you most likely were), you will still be challenged here at USC. That being said, this isn't an atmosphere where professors and TA's try to make things difficult for the sake of making them difficult. All of your instructors here want you to succeed, and there is always help to be found if you feel you are struggling. The academic rigor here forces you to take a more active role in your education, and it's well worth it!

Tips for prospective students

If at all possible, take the time to tour the campus. It's one of the many things that distinguishes USC that you can't necessarily experience with a brochure.

In three sentences

The University of Southern California is the epitome of a school that works hard and plays hard. Here, you'll find all the rigor and academic excellence of an Ivy League school, but without the stiffness. We pride ourselves on having a Trojan family that will take care of you no matter how long ago you graduated, and it couldn't be more true: once a Trojan, you're a Trojan for life.

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